CM Basavaraj Bommai and the BJP-led government prohibited the wearing of hijab in schools, and the High Court supported this decision.
What exactly is the Hijab Row?
In January 2022, there was a controversy in the State regarding the wearing of hijabs by six girls at Government PU College in Udupi. The girls were reportedly not allowed to enter the college while wearing hijabs, leading to protests by the girls outside the college.
Recently, the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) implemented new rules for recruitment exams, prohibiting all types of head coverings in the exam hall to prevent malpractice, including the use of Bluetooth devices. Even though the guidelines don’t explicitly mention hijabs, it’s suggested that they are indirectly discouraged.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, decided to end the ban on wearing Hijab in schools. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized him, accusing him of introducing divisive politics in education, emphasizing the need for a “secular” approach. Former CM BS Yediyurappa expressed that there was no demand to lift the Hijab ban, as all communities should follow the same uniform rule for attending classes, which is also supported by the court.
Yediyurappa’s critique :
Yediyurappa mentioned that the decision was made to appease the minority population. He criticized Siddaramaiah, stating that the move to allow hijab in educational institutions was a hasty decision to please the Muslim community. Yediyurappa condemned it, urging Siddaramaiah to withdraw the decision, and predicted that it wouldn’t impact the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra called the announcement unfortunate, expressing disappointment that educational institutions were dragged into what he called “dirty politics.”
Vijayendra expressed disapproval, stating that the Chief Minister’s decision to permit hijab in schools, despite no requests from minority or Muslim children, reveals a political strategy of appeasement and division by the Congress party. Former BJP CM Basavaraj Bommai criticized the move, characterizing it as an attempt to distract from the government’s failures, citing issues like the lack of development, discontent among people, and pressing concerns like drought and the Cauvery problem.
“Everyone can make choices, but that doesn’t give anyone the right to break the law. There’s a way things should be done, and the Supreme Court will pay attention to this. This seems more like a political statement, an attempt to divide society.” He added.
Hijab ban by Bommai
The government in Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, made a rule saying students couldn’t wear hijabs in schools. This caused a lot of upset across the whole state. Later, the Karnataka High Court supported this rule, explaining that wearing a hijab is not a necessary religious practice in Islam. The court suggested that everyone in schools and colleges should follow a similar dress code.
A group of upset students took their case to the highest court, and a panel of two judges gave different opinions. Now, the final decision is on hold as it goes to a bigger group of judges at the top court.
The BJP has accused the Congress of doing Muslim appeasement over the Karnataka government’s decision to lift an order requiring the wearing of hijab in schools and colleges. The Congress rejected the allegations and slammed the BJP for politicising the issue.
Siddaramaiah on the issue :
The Chief Minister of Karnataka announced at a rally in Mysore that the hijab ban would be lifted, emphasizing that individuals have the right to choose their attire and food. He directed officials to revoke the ban, stating that personal choices, such as clothing and diet, should be respected. He encouraged diversity by highlighting his own choice of wearing a dhoti and suggested that there’s nothing wrong with people wearing different types of clothing. He also cautioned against using such matters for political gains. In response, Karnataka’s Education Minister emphasized that the hijab issue should not be politicized and reiterated the state’s inclusive education policy, covering aspects like culture and studies.
