Bengaluru, May 13: The BJP has launched a sharp attack on the Karnataka government regarding its decision to withdraw the 2022 school uniform order, which allows limited traditional and religious symbols, including hijabs, in schools and colleges. Opposition leader R. Ashok accused the Congress government of reviving the hijab issue as a “desperate appeasement strategy” following the results of the Davanagere by-elections and growing discontent among minority voters.
Ashok stated, “The Congress government, rattled by the Davanagere by-election results and increasing anger within its minority voter base, has once again adopted its old divisive strategy.” He criticized the state government for focusing on religious issues for political gain while Karnataka faces pressing problems like rising inflation, corruption, farmer suicides, and deteriorating law and order.
“This is not a matter of rights. It is a calculated political bribe to appease a specific community that has recently expressed its dissatisfaction,” Ashok added. He also condemned the state government for allegedly disregarding judicial decisions, referencing the Karnataka High Court’s ruling on a “uniform dress code in educational institutions.” He claimed that the Congress government has disrespected the judiciary by overturning previous court orders.
“The High Court emphasized that educational institutions should remain centers of discipline and equality, not platforms for religious display,” he remarked. Ashok accused the Congress government of practicing “selective secularism,” arguing that allowing hijabs in educational institutions discriminates against opposition to saffron scarves. He alleged, “Under this (Karnataka) regime, hijabs are being green-lighted under the guise of freedom, while immediate bans are imposed on saffron scarves.”