Karnataka Hijab Row: Bommai Accuses Siddaramaiah of Appeasement

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has ignited fresh controversy by condemning the state government's nod to hijabs in schools, calling it a dangerous step towards religious polarization. Speaking in Bengaluru on Friday, the BJP MP described the decision as irresponsible governance at its worst, prioritizing minority appeasement over student unity. Bommai's critique was sharp and global in scope. He referenced ongoing reforms in Saudi Arabia and Iran, where hijab mandates are easing in public spaces. 'These countries are embracing modernity, but our government is dragging Karnataka into the past, forcing regressive symbols on young girls,' he remarked in his press release. He alleged that the Siddaramaiah administration deliberately created legal friction despite a peaceful educational environment. 'No one demanded this change. It's a calculated move to divide children along religious lines, unbecoming of a responsible regime,' Bommai stated. Drawing from history, Bommai reminded that during his leadership, uniform rules from 1980 were reinforced and validated by courts. The Supreme Court case lingers with a split decision. 'Pending judicial clarity, this hasty order risks chaos in classrooms,' he cautioned. The BJP stalwart also slammed the government's education mismanagement—rampant teacher vacancies, falling standards—arguing that real priorities are being ignored for political gains. 'Explain this sudden flip-flop. It's pure appeasement politics,' he demanded. This stems from Wednesday's government order scrapping the 2022 uniform directive and permitting faith symbols like hijabs, sacred threads, and turbans with uniforms. The move has reignited a fierce debate on religious attire in educational settings. Bommai concluded with a dire prediction: without reversal, the government owns any brewing student unrest. As Karnataka grapples with this flashpoint, the hijab issue underscores deeper fault lines in the state's push for inclusive yet uniform education.