Controversy Erupts Over Lifting Of Hijab Ban In Karnataka As BJP Slams Congress Govt For Indulging In Vote Bank Politics

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent announcement to lift the ban on hijab in schools, condemning it as a move to play divisive vote bank politics.

State BJP President B Y Vijayendra expressed his disapproval, stating, "The CM statement on hijab is highly condemnable. When the matter is in the Supreme Court, how can the CM issue directives to lift the ban on hijab?", reported Deccan Herald.

He accused Siddaramaiah of creating divisions among students in schools for political gains, especially with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls next year.

The hijab had been initially prohibited in educational institutions by the previous BJP government to maintain uniformity among students.

Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah of attempting to sow religious divisions within the student community and criticized the Chief Minister's decision to withdraw the hijab ban order as a blatant effort to engage in vote bank politics.

Siddaramaiah, in a declaration on Friday (22 December), stated that he had directed the withdrawal of the hijab ban order in the state, effective from Saturday (23 December).

He underscored the personal nature of choices related to dress and food, asserting that no one should interfere in such matters.

The BJP's condemnation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the hijab issue, which has become a focal point of disagreement in Karnataka's educational institutions.

The party accuses Siddaramaiah of preemptively influencing the outcome of the judicial process for political advantage.