On Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that the state government would retract the directive that imposed a ban on wearing the hijab in schools and colleges. In his announcement, he emphasized that the choice of clothing is a personal prerogative, and he has instructed officials to revoke the hijab ban that was introduced by the previous BJP government in 2022.
Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP, stating that the party's approach of "sab ka saath, sab ka vikas" (development for all) advocated by Prime Minister Modi is insincere. According to the Chief Minister, the BJP is fostering division within society based on clothing, dress, and caste.
This decision is anticipated to spark a new round of political controversy in the state, particularly as the BJP has already expressed its intent to oppose any efforts to rescind the hijab ban.
In October of the current year, the government had allowed students to wear the hijab during competitive exams, suggesting a potential reconsideration of the ban order.
The controversy surrounding the hijab ban originated in February 2022 when a government college in Udupi prohibited the wearing of hijabs within classrooms, a policy subsequently adopted by several other institutions. The then Basavaraj Bommai government later issued a directive banning hijabs within campuses, citing concerns about clothing that might disrupt equality, integrity, and public law and order.
The ban triggered numerous protests and counter-protests, leading to the closure of educational institutions in the state. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, which delivered a split verdict on October 13. Subsequently, the division bench recommended that the Chief Justice refer the matter to a larger bench, and it currently awaits further deliberation in the apex court.
