Karnataka to withdraw Hijab ban, announces CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that the state government will withdraw the order banning hijab in schools and colleges in the state. He stated, "the choice of clothes is one's own prerogative".The Chief Minister said he has directed officials to withdraw the order banning hijab,a headscarf wrapped around the head by some Muslim women, brought in by the previous BJP government in 2022.In October of this year, the government allowed students to wear hijab during competitive exams, hinting at a revocation of the ban order.
"Hijab ban isn't there anymore. (Women) can wear hijab and go anywhere. I have directed to withdraw the (ban) order. How you dress and what you eat is your choice. Why should I obstruct you?," the chief minister said while addressing a gathering in Mysore. Siddaramaiah said that people in the state were free to wear and eat whatever they choose to. "Wear what you want. Eat what you want. I will eat what I want, you eat what you want. I wear dhoti, you wear pant shirt. What's wrong in that?" he added.

Reacting to the announcement made by Karnataka Chief Minister, Karnataka BJP said that Siddaramaiah is sowing the poison of religion in the state.“A uniform policy has been implemented in schools and colleges to ensure that children are equal. This has also been upheld by the Supreme Court. However, the Chief Minister is creating a difference in the minds of the school students regarding the issue of uniforms. Siddaramaiah is going to amend the constitution itself for a vote bank to appease PFI goons and minorities. In the coming days, the people themselves will teach this a lesson,” Karnataka BJP posted on X.

(Dr Mysi Patil, State Correspondent)