Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP has come down heavily on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for announcing the decision to withdraw hijab ban imposed by the previous BJP government.
Taking to social media on Friday, the BJP charged that Siddaramaiah is all set to amend the Constitution to appease the ‘goondas’ of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and the minorities, adding that people will teach him a befitting lesson in the coming days.
“Sowing of poisonous seeds in the beautiful garden of all religions is Siddaramaiah’s guarantee scheme. The uniform guidelines were implemented to ensure equality among children in schools and colleges. This has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India as well,” BJP claimed.
Alleging the ruling Congress is carrying forward the British policy of ‘divide and rule’, the saffron party stated that the move raises concerns about the “secular nature” of educational spaces.
Addressing reporters in New Delhi, BJP Karnataka chief, Vijayendra said, “The Chief Minister made an irresponsible statement that he will revoke the ban on Hijab. This way, he has spoilt the educational atmosphere in the state. At least, he should have spared children from his dirty politics.”
The BJP state president alleged that while the Congress wants to lift the ban on hijab, on the other hand Hindu women who went to appear for an exam were forced to remove their ‘mangal sutra’ and toe rings, he added.
Earlier in a post on ‘X’, Vijayendra charged the state government with ‘dividing’ young minds along religious lines. “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 government is dividing young minds along religious lines, potentially hindering the inclusive learning environment,” he wrote.
In a move that may spark a controversy, Siddaramaiah on Saturday announced that he has asked for lifting of the ban on hijab for students and pre-university students in the state as clothing is a matter of individual choice.
“PM Modi’s ‘sab ka saath sab ka vikas’ slogan is bogus. The BJP is into dividing people and the society based on clothes, dress, and caste. Anyone can wear hijab and go to schools and colleges. I have asked to revert the decision banning hijab.
“Dressing and food habits are people’s choice. You can wear whatever dress you want to. You can eat whatever you want. Whatever I eat is my right. I am clad in dhoti and jubba. If you want to wear a pant, you can. What is wrong with that?
“Our government will work for the poor. You should not stand with those who lie and indulge in cheating,” Siddaramaiah said after inaugurating the newly-constructed Kavalande, Antarsante and Jayapura police stations in the Nanjangudu constituency in Mysuru.
