Govt only contemplating lifting ban on hijab: CM

MYSURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday clarified that the administration was only contemplating lifting the ban on wearing hijab in educational institutions in the state and a decision will be taken after holding discussions at the government level.

Addressing reporters here, he said, “We haven’t done it (revoking Hijab ban) yet. Someone asked me a question (on lifting Hijab ban). I replied that the government is considering revoking it. Asked whether it will be done in this academic year, the CM said it will be done after discussing at the government level.

The clarification comes a day after he said that there was no restriction on wearing the religious head scarf in educational institutions and observed that choice of dress and food is personal.

The Congress government has come under sharp criticism from the Opposition BJP over the announcement on hijab.

BJP stated that the government’s move raised concerns about the “secular nature” of educational spaces.

Charging the Congress with indulging in ‘appeasement politics’ ahead of Lok Sabha elections, BJP Karnataka chief B Y Vijayendra claimed, “even after so many years of independence, the literacy and employment rate among minorities is still 50 per cent. Congress never tried to elevate the condition of minorities.”

In 2022, the previous BJP government banned wearing of hijab in educational institutions in Karnataka.