We haven’t revoked hijab ban yet, govt is considering it, Siddaramaiah clarifies after opposition backlash

PTI

Mysuru, December 23

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday clarified that the administration was only contemplating lifting the ban on wearing hijab in educational institutes in the state and a decision will be taken after holding discussions at the government level.

Addressing reporters here, he said, "We haven't done it (revoking hijab ban) yet. Someone asked me a question (on lifting hijab ban). I replied that the government is considering revoking it.

Asked whether it would be done in this academic year, the CM said it would be done after discussing at the government level.

The clarification comes a day after he said that there was no restriction on wearing the religious head scarf in educational institutes and observed that choice of dress and food is personal.

The Congress government has come under sharp criticism from the opposition BJP over the announcement on hijab.

The saffron party stated that the government's move raised concerns about the "secular nature" of educational spaces.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, BJP Karnataka chief BY Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah of 'vitiating' the academic atmosphere.

Charging the Congress with indulging in 'appeasement politics' ahead of the general election, Vijayendra claimed, "Even after so many years of independence, the literacy and employment rate among minorities is still 50 per cent. The Congress never tried to elevate the condition of minorities."

"The Congress believes in the divide and rule policy which the British rulers had adopted. It amounts to carrying forward the British legacy," he said.

Earlier, in a post on 'X', Vijayendra said the state government 'divided' young minds along religious lines.

"CM Siddaramaiah's decision to withdraw the hijab ban in educational institutes 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 could focus on academics without the influence of religious practices.

In 2022, the previous BJP government had banned wearing of hijab in educational institutes in Karnataka. 

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