Karnataka Govt Deliberates Hijab Policy Ahead of Exams Amid Political Tension
The Karnataka Congress government remains undecided on permitting hijab-wearing students to attend exams, sparking renewed debate over religious rights and uniform codes, Muslim Mirror reported. Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated Tuesday that “one month is sufficient” for discussions, while Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa deferred the decision to the Home Department.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his stance to reverse the BJP-era ban, asserting, “Dressing and food habits are personal rights.” The BJP opposes the move, threatening protests if hijabs are allowed in classrooms.
The issue, pending before the Supreme Court since a split 2022 verdict, previously divided Karnataka’s educational institutions and drew international criticism. A 2022 confrontation involving student Muskan Khan – later cited by Al-Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri – underscored the controversy’s global resonance.
