In a significant move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, leading the Congress government, announced the withdrawal of the hijab ban imposed by the previous BJP government in schools and colleges. While Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge defended the decision, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa criticized it as a “hasty decision to appease the Muslim community.”
Kharge emphasized that the Karnataka government is operating within the legal framework of the Constitution and will review and remove any policy that hampers the state’s development. He suggested that the BJP should focus on addressing internal party issues.
However, Yediyurappa accused Siddaramaiah of making a hasty decision to please the Muslim community, stating that uniformity in attire is necessary for attending classes. Yediyurappa condemned the move and predicted that it would not affect the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, asserting that the public would teach a lesson to those responsible.
Siddaramaiah justified the decision by stating that the choice of clothes is an individual prerogative and directed officials to withdraw the hijab ban. He accused the BJP of dividing society based on clothing, dress, and caste.
Meanwhile, responding to reports of Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting ambitious targets for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Priyank Kharge stated that BJP-mukt Dakshin Bharat (BJP-free South India) has already happened, claiming Congress has close to 40% support in the Hindi heartland. He expressed confidence in a future coalition to return to power.
The hijab ban, initially imposed by the BJP government, had faced legal challenges, with the Karnataka High Court upholding the ban. However, Siddaramaiah’s decision to withdraw it has reignited political debates and positioned the issue within the broader context of the upcoming elections.
