Bengaluru, May 15: The hijab controversy in Karnataka has once again ignited significant political debate. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement, supporting the right to wear religious symbols such as turbans, bangles, tilaks, ash, sacred threads, and headscarves in educational institutions, has intensified the political climate. However, he distinguished these symbols from the saffron shawl.
Clarifying the government’s stance, state minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that the Congress government has not abolished any dress code. He stated that the government is merely advocating for equal recognition of religious rights as granted by the Constitution.
Kharge remarked, “We have not revoked the dress code. We have simply asserted that religious practices permitted by the Constitution should receive equal standing in society. Whether it is a turban, bangle, tilak, ash, sacred thread, or headscarf, there should be no confusion.”
Targeting the BJP, he suggested that if the party has objections, it should approach the court.
Distinguishing the issues of the saffron shawl and hijab, Kharge stated, “The saffron shawl is not a religious practice. The BJP should focus on the education of the youth. Congress and the Karnataka government aim to shape children’s futures through education. If the BJP wants to turn children into cow protectors and religious guardians, they can do that with their own kids.”
Meanwhile, Mohammad Yusuf Kanni, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, also supported the government’s decision. He asserted that India’s true strength lies in “unity in diversity,” highlighting that all communities contributed to the country’s freedom. He believes that lifting restrictions related to the hijab will enhance access to education and social participation.
Congress spokesperson Nasir Hussain accused the BJP of engaging in Hindu-Muslim politics. He stated, “The Congress government has not granted any special permission for the hijab. It is a right conferred by the Constitution. What is the issue if a girl wishes to study while wearing a hijab?”
Congress MP Imran Masood also backed the government’s position on this matter. He noted, “Covering the head and maintaining modesty is part of Indian culture. You have merely labeled it with the Urdu term ‘hijab.’ If it were called ‘ghoonghat,’ perhaps no one would have a problem.”
Masood criticized the BJP, pointing out that while the party questions the hijab, it avoids discussing serious issues like exam paper leaks affecting children.
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