Bengaluru, May 14: The leader of the opposition in Karnataka, R. Ashok, launched a sharp attack on the state government on Wednesday regarding its decision to withdraw the 2022 school uniform order and allow limited traditional and religious symbols, including the hijab, in schools and colleges.
Ashok accused the Congress government of reviving the hijab issue as part of a “desperate appeasement strategy” following the results of the Davanagere by-elections and growing discontent among minority voters.
He stated, “The Congress government, rattled by the results of the Davanagere by-elections and the rising anger among its minority voter base, has once again resorted to its old divisive tactics.”
Ashok pointed out that while Karnataka faces pressing issues such as rising inflation, corruption, farmer suicides, and deteriorating law and order, the state government is focusing on religious issues for political gain.
“This is not a matter of rights. It is a calculated political bribe to appease a specific community that has recently expressed its dissatisfaction,” he added.
He also criticized the state government for allegedly disregarding judicial decisions, referencing the Karnataka High Court‘s ruling on a “uniform dress code in educational institutions.” Ashok claimed that the Congress government has insulted the judiciary by overturning previous court orders.
“The High Court emphasized that educational institutions should remain centers of discipline and equality, not arenas for religious display,” he remarked.
The BJP leader accused the Congress government of practicing “selective secularism,” claiming that allowing the hijab in educational institutions discriminates against the saffron scarf.
He alleged, “In this (Karnataka) regime, the hijab is being greenlit under the guise of freedom, while an immediate ban is imposed on the saffron scarf.”