BJP came down strongly on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after he announced on Friday that he would withdraw the previous government’s order to ban Hijab in classrooms.
The BJP government in Karnataka under B. Bommai had banned the hijab saying it disturbs equality, integrity, and public order in educational institutes of the state. The decision had led to massive protests in the state.
Without mincing any words, former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa on Saturday said that the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government’s decision to lift hijab ban was done only to please a particular community. The BJP on Saturday strongly reacted to Karnataka government’s decision to withdraw the ban on wearing hijab in educational institutions in the state, saying the ruling Congress is carrying forward the British policy of ‘divide and rule’.
BJP state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa said that Siddaramaiah’s move to withdraw the order would “threaten” the secular nature of educational spaces. “CM Siddaramaiah’s decision to withdraw the hijab ban in educational institutions raises concerns about the secular nature of our educational spaces”, he added.
He accused that by allowing religious attire in educational institutions @siddaramaiah govt is dividing young minds along religious lines, potentially hindering the inclusive learning environment. It is crucial to prioritize education over divisive practices and foster an environment where students could focus on academics without the influence of religious practices, he said in a Social Media post.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said the Congress party was stirring a hornet’s nest. “The state government will be responsible for any disturbance and friction in educational institutions. This will also embolden the PFI, the banned outfit which has been supporting the hijab protests. Siddaramaiah should stop indulging in divisive politics.”
The chief minister’s move comes at a time when the appeals against the hijab ban are in court. “Food and dress are one’s own choice,” Siddaramaiah had said yesterday during the inauguration of two new police station buildings in Mysuru. “Why should I interfere in it? You may eat any food or wear any dress. It is your choice and right too. We will withdraw the order (February 5, 2022) banning hijab.”
