Digital Desk: The current Karnataka hijab row has elicited a variety of political responses that cut across party lines. Now, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has weighed in on the topic, saying that a woman has the freedom to wear anything she likes, whether it's a bikini, a 'ghoonghat,' a pair of jeans, or a 'hijab.' She said that the Constitution protects this right.
On Tuesday (February 8), stone-pelting and police use of force were reported as the hijab issue in Karnataka worsened and student protests expanded to more colleges, prompting the state administration to proclaim a three-day holiday for all educational institutions.
"Whether it is a bikini, a ghoonghat, a pair of jeans or a hijab, it is a woman's right to decide what she wants to wear," Gandhi tweeted.
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"This right is GUARANTEED by the Indian constitution. Stop harassing women," she said using the hashtag 'ladkihoonladsaktihoon'.
The Karnataka hijab row has elicited polarised responses from political parties and campaigners. The debate has taken on a political hue, with the ruling BJP strongly supporting uniform-related norms enforced by educational institutions, referring to the headscarf as a religious symbol, and the opposition Congress supporting Muslim girls. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Laureate, was among those who reacted to this, in addition to India's authorities. Malala addressed Indian politicians, pleading with them to end the marginalisation of Muslim women. Refusing to allow girls to attend school wearing hijabs is 'horrifying,' according to Malala.
Last month, six students at the Government girls PU College in Udupi said they were excluded from sessions because they insisted on wearing the hijab. The pre-university education board issued a circular declaring that students can only wear the school's approved uniform and that no other religious rituals are permitted in institutions. The demonstrations soon expanded to other colleges in Udupi, as well as neighbouring cities such as Mandya and Shivamogga.
The unrest has expanded across the state, with Hindu students wearing saffron shawls to show their support. Students dressed in saffron are also forbidden from attending lessons.
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