Hijab ban row: Karnataka Minister claps back at BJP's 'Sharia Law' accusation against Congress

New Delhi, December 23: A clash erupted between Karnataka's BJP and Congress factions after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the reversal of a BJP-imposed hijab ban in educational institutions. This move triggered accusations of Muslim appeasement and the alleged imposition of Sharia law by BJP leaders.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh warned that lifting the hijab ban would pave the way for Sharia law's establishment in Karnataka, asserting potential nationwide implementation if the Opposition were to come into power. Singh labeled it a systematic plot against the country's Sanatana Dharma. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accused Siddaramaiah of pursuing vote bank politics and differentiating students based on attire. He criticised the move as an attempt to court minority votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, disregarding the pending Supreme Court deliberation on the matter.

Another former Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa, suggested that Siddaramaiah's decision aimed at appeasing the Muslim community without any prior demand for the hijab withdrawal. Yediyurappa's son, Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra, criticised the move, expressing concerns about the secular environment in educational institutions.

Congress stands firm: Upholding the rule of law

Amidst the escalating feud, the Congress responded, emphasising the adherence to lawful proceedings and urging against the politicisation of the issue.

State Minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasised constitutional awareness, vowing to address any legislation impeding Karnataka's progress. "We'll rectify or abolish any law or policy detrimental to Karnataka's advancement," he asserted.

State Minister Madhu Bangarappa highlighted the educational policy's cultural inclusivity, affirming the government's commitment to examine the legal aspects. "This isn't political. Our Chief Minister will assess the legality," he clarified. Another state minister, HK Patil, criticized the BJP's stance, questioning their understanding of secularism. "Our Chief Minister's view aligns with Congress. BJP lacks comprehension," Patil remarked, defending Siddaramaiah's understanding of the law.

Unraveling the Hijab Ban timeline

The controversy surrounding the hijab ban in Karnataka has a timeline riddled with key events:

In October of the current year, a government directive permitted the wearing of hijabs during competitive exams, signaling a potential reversal of the ban.

Series of Events: February 2022 witnessed a government college in Udupi forbidding hijabs within classrooms, a move adopted by several other institutions. Subsequently, the ruling BJP government, led by then Chief Minister Bommai, issued an order prohibiting hijabs on campuses. The order cited the preservation of equality, integrity, and public law and order as its rationale.

Protests and Legal Battleground: The ban triggered extensive protests and counter-protests, resulting in the shutdown of educational institutions across the state. The issue escalated to the Supreme Court, which delivered a split verdict on October 13.

The division bench sought the Chief Justice's intervention to refer the case to a larger bench, resulting in its current status, pending deliberation before the Supreme Court.

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