Karnataka to withdraw hijab ban in schools: ‘Siddaramaiah is dividing society’, alleges BJP

‘Hijab not banned in state, only school’

Speaking to the media on Saturday, former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said, the Chief Minister should focus on welfare issues. “The state is going through a financial crisis, there are no funds for developmental works. Drought is there, and the Cauvery issue is here. Covid is there now.”

He added, “Congress is indulging in vote bank politics instead of taking care of these issues.”

Further defending the hijab ban in schools, Bommai said, “There is no ban in the state, just in schools, there is a dress code, and it was brought into effect in 1964.”

The former chief minister added, “The matter is in the Supreme Court, and without honouring that, our chief minister is doing appeasement politics. He doesn’t realise it now but Siddaramaiah is dividing the society.”

The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka assembly R Ashoka said, “The court has already ruled on the issue of hijab. There was an environment of learning in schools without any caste-religion, or caste – feelings. But CM Siddaramaiah is trying to block that too. Siddaramaiah has a kind of Tipu mentality, his whole body is covered with Tipu mentality.”

ಹಿಜಾಬ್ ವಿಚಾರವಾಗಿ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ತೀರ್ಪು ನೀಡಿದೆ. ಶಾಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ಜಾತಿ – ಧರ್ಮ, ಬೇಧ – ಭಾವಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಕಲಿಯುವ ವಾತಾವರಣವಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೆ ಸಿಎಂ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಅವರು ಅದಕ್ಕೂ ಕಲ್ಲು ಹಾಕುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಅವರದ್ದು ಒಂದು ರೀತಿಯ ಟಿಪ್ಪು ಮನಸ್ಥಿತಿ, ಅವರ ದೇಹವನ್ನು ಪೂರ್ತಿ ಟಿಪ್ಪು ಮನಸ್ಥಿತಿ… pic.twitter.com/6ycAYnfXoV

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) December 23, 2023

Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India, said, “CM Siddaramaiah’s move to overturn hijab restrictions in colleges — despite a uniform mandate endorsed by the High Court — raises concern about his motive & secular stance. Is the government planning to override college dress codes & challenging the idea of uniformity?”

CM Siddaramaiah's move to overturn hijab restrictions in colleges – despite a uniform mandate endorsed by the High Court – raises concern about his motive & secular stance.

Is the government planning to override college dress codes & challenging the idea of uniformity?

— Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) December 23, 2023

BJP accuses Congress of appeasement politics

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, BJP Karnataka chief, Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah of “vitiating” the academic atmosphere.

Condemning the Congress government’s decision, he said, “The chief minister made an irresponsible statement that he will revoke the ban on hijab. This way, he has spoilt the educational atmosphere in the state. At least, he should have spared children from his dirty politics.”

The BJP state president alleged that while Congress wants to lift the ban on hijab, on the other hand, Hindu women who went to appear for an exam were forced to remove their “mangal sutra” and toe rings.

Accusing the Congress of indulging in “appeasement politics” ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Vijayendra claimed, “Even after so many years of independence, the literacy and employment rate among minorities is still 50 percent. Congress never tried to elevate the condition of minorities.”

“Congress believes in the divide and rule policy which the British rulers had adopted. It amounts to carrying forward the British legacy,” he added.

CT Ravi, former Minister of Kannada and Culture of Karnataka, defending the hijab ban in schools said, “The ban of hijab in schools and colleges was done so that the children studying in schools don’t start identifying themselves and others based on religion. The order was brought in to inculcate togetherness.”

Questioning the Chief Minister, he said, “Siddaramaiah’s statement contradicts the Education Act of 1964. What will happen if tomorrow one wears a red shawl, or someone else wears something else, what is the point of uniform?”

Related: No more hijab ban, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

‘Dividing young minds’: Vijayendra

Earlier in a post on X, Vijayendra charged the state government with “dividing” young minds along religious lines.

“CM Siddaramaiah’s decision to withdraw the Hijab ban in educational institutions raises concerns about the secular nature of our educational spaces,” the Shikaripura MLA said.

“By allowing religious attire in educational institutions Siddaramaiah government is dividing young minds along religious lines, potentially hindering the inclusive learning environment.”

The BJP state chief stressed that it was crucial to prioritise education over divisive practices and foster an environment where students can focus on academics without the influence of religious practices.

CM Siddaramaiah’s decision to withdraw the hijab ban in educational institutions raises concerns about the secular nature of our educational spaces.

By allowing religious attire in educational institutions @siddaramaiah govt is promoting dividing young minds along religious…

— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) December 22, 2023

Interview: Banning outfits involved in hate politics, says Siddaramaiah

Lifting of the hijab ban

On 22 December, lashing out at the BJP, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “They say ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas‘ (Cooperation of all, Development of all), but are sidelining those who wear skullcaps, don the burqa, and sport beards. Is this what they mean?”

When an individual from the crowd asked about the restrictions on wearing hijab, Siddaramaiah said, “No (restrictions). You can wear hijab. I have instructed (the officials) that there will be no restriction from tomorrow (23 December).”

He added, “You can wear and eat whatever you want. It’s up to you. Your choices are yours and my choices are mine. It’s that simple.”

The hijab was banned in educational institutions in the state during the BJP regime in 2022.

It all started in December 2021, when students wearing hijab were not allowed inside class at a government PU college in Udupi.

As a meeting between parents and the college principal failed to resolve the issue, six students began a protest on the college campus.

On 16 March, one of the students approached the Supreme Court and challenged the Karnataka High Court Order.

On 13 October, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on petitions challenging the Karnataka High Court order.

The Supreme Court said that it would set up a three-judge bench to hear the Karnataka hijab ban case.

Also read: TN police book BJP member for harassing hijab-wearing doctor

(With PTI inputs)