Karnataka: CM's announcement on lifting ban on Hijab sparks discussion

Mangaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's announcement to lift the ban on Hijab in educational institutions has sparked a fresh wave of discussions on the issue.

While Muslim organizations have welcomed Siddaramaiah's statement, leaders from the BJP and Sangh Parivar have vehemently opposed it. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has urged the Chief Minister to provide justice to the students who could not write exams due to the ban on hijab.

"We welcome Siddaramaiah's statement. He has fulfilled the promise he made," K Ashraf, the DK District Muslim Okkuta president and former Mayor of Mangaluru told Deccan Chronicle.

"The BJP government imposed the Hijab ban for political reasons, and the people responded by bringing the Congress to power. Siddaramaiah has now announced the removal of the ban, staying true to his promise," he said.

While the SDPI appreciates Siddaramaiah's statement, they emphasize the need for justice for students unable to take exams and teachers who lost their jobs due to the Hijab ban.

In a press statement, the SDPI State General Secretary Afzar Kodlipet called for the withdrawal of the 2022 Government Order, urging the Chief Minister to pass a new order and submit it to the Supreme Court.

He highlighted the impact of the ban, stating, "Thousands of girls couldn't appear for exams between 2021 and 2023, and many teachers lost their jobs or couldn't attend due to this. They deserve justice."

Conversely, the BJP and Sangh Parivar strongly condemn Siddaramaiah's stance.

“Siddaramaiah’s guarantee is to sow poison of religion in Karnataka. A uniform policy has been implemented in schools and colleges to ensure that children are equal. However the Chief Minister is creating a difference in the minds of the school students on the issue of uniform. Siddaramaiah is going to amend the constitution for vote bank to appease PFI goons and minorities. In the coming days people will teach a lesson,” ,” Karnataka BJP stated in a post on the social media X (formerly twitter) with the hashtag #communalcongress.

Raghupathi Bhat, the former MLA of Udupi, who had also served as the President of the Government Women's PU College Development Committee, vehemently criticized Siddaramaiah's statement. The Hijab controversy first emerged in this college in January 2022.

“The BJP government had not banned Hijab. We had enforced a uniform policy in educational institutions with the intention of ensuring equality in the class. Our only argument was against wearing hijab in the classroom. Is Siddaramaiah speaking out of ignorance or on purpose?” questioned Bhat.

"Classes are in session, and examinations are underway. Currently, the state faces no issues. However, if the matter is stirred up, it could lead to the appearance of saffron shawls, turbans, and subsequent confusion. This certainly does not contribute to the enhancement of the education system," he remarked.

"The College implemented a written rule in 2003, explicitly prohibiting the wearing of Hijab. This restriction remained in place even during periods when Congress MLAs were in Udupi. Notably, even during Siddaramaiah's earlier term as Chief Minister, the college in Udupi maintained its policy disallowing Hijab," Bhat stressed.

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna accuses the state government of confusion and suggests that Siddaramaiah's statement is an attempt to divert attention from their mistakes. He emphasizes the need for uniform policy in schools.
VHP Regional joint secretary Sharan Pumpwell strongly opposes Siddaramaiah's decision.

"Do not bring politics to educational institutions. The implementation of a uniform policy was intended to foster uniformity among students. However, Siddaramaiah's endorsement of Hijab contradicts this goal. If Hijab is permitted, it may lead to students also opting to wear saffron," he remarked.

BJP Mangaluru Vibhag Prabhari Uday Kumar Shetty labeled Siddaramaiah's statement as a continuation of the appeasement politics historically practiced by the Congress. Expressing concern, he questioned the urgency behind the statement. Shetty alleged that the swift announcement indicates Siddaramaiah's involvement in appeasement politics.

The Hijab issue gained attention in December 2021-January 2022 when six students were not allowed to enter a class with Hijab at Women's Government PU College in Udupi. The BJP government had made uniforms compulsory in educational institutions, and the Karnataka High Court upheld the executive order on March 15, 2022. Students moved to the Supreme Court, resulting in a split verdict by a 2-judge bench.