Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the Karnataka state government criticised state BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa for “promoting dividing young minds along religious lines” just hours after the minister declared on Friday that there will be no limitations on the hijab (head scarf) in educational institutions.
Taking to X, Vijayendra said, “CM Siddaramaiah’s decision to withdraw the hijab ban in educational institutions raises concerns about the secular nature of our educational spaces.”
“By allowing religious attire in educational institutions Siddaramaiah govt is promoting dividing young minds along religious lines, potentially hindering the inclusive learning environment. It’s crucial to prioritize education over divisive practices and foster an environment where students can focus on academics without the influence of religious practices,” the state BJP president wrote on X.
Additionally, according to Vijayendra, no member of the minority population has asked for hijabs in schools.
“The minority community did not call for the hijab to be worn in schools. Not just for one village, but for the entire state, you serve as Chief Minister. The Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court have voiced their concerns over the matter on multiple occasions. The chief of the state BJP observed, “The state of Siddharamiah is unfortunate.”
“Hijab should not be allowed in schools and colleges. The BJP strongly condemns Siddharamiah’s decision in this regard. While farmers in the state are in great distress, it should have been the Chief Minister’s responsibility to address them. However, is taking interest in the hijab issue,” Vijayendra said.
After the recently finished assembly elections in five states, the state BJP president added, the Congress and the INDIA alliance recognised they will not win the Lok Sabha polls.
While removing the ban on the hijab on Friday, Siddaramaiah stated that everyone has the right to choose their own food and clothing choices and that others should not intrude on them.
The Chief Minister declared that vote bank politics should not be practiced by anyone during the opening of three police stations in Nanjangud, Mysuru district.
“They say ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ (Cooperation of all, Development of all) but sidelining those wearing caps, burqas, and sporting a beard,” Siddaramaiah stated, taking a jab at the BJP. Is this what they mean?”
When someone in the crowd asked about restrictions on wearing hijab, the Chief Minister said, “No (restrictions). You can wear a Hijab. I have instructed (the officials) that there will be no restrictions from tomorrow onwards. You can wear and eat whatever you want. It’s up to you. Your choices are yours and my choices are mine, it’s that simple.”
“I wear a dhoti and kurta, and you wear pants and a shirt. It’s your choice. What’s wrong with this?” he asked.
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