Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday, 15 May launched a sharp attack on the Siddaramaiah-led state government over its decision to permit hijabs and other religious symbols in schools, calling it an 'irresponsible appeasement-driven decision' that risks stoking religious divisions among students.

What Bommai Said

In a press statement, Bommai argued that the Karnataka government's move runs counter to global trends. He claimed that in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, women and girls are reportedly moving away from wearing hijabs in their daily lives. 'At such a time, bringing a law in Karnataka that pushes girls backwards is inappropriate,' he said.

Bommai alleged the order was issued without any public demand and at a point when schools were functioning without disruption. 'The government has issued this order to encourage appeasement politics and create divisions among students on religious grounds. If the order is not withdrawn, the government itself will be responsible for any anxiety and discrimination that may arise among students in the future,' he warned.

The Order That Triggered the Row

The controversy follows the Karnataka government's decision on Wednesday to withdraw its 5 February 2022 circular on school and college uniforms. In its place, fresh guidelines were issued permitting students to wear 'limited traditional and faith-based symbols' alongside prescribed uniforms. The revised policy explicitly allows the hijab, sacred threads, turbans, and other religious symbols in educational institutions across the state.

Legal Background

Bommai noted that during his tenure as Chief Minister, his government had issued a clarification order under the 1980 School Uniform Rules, which was subsequently upheld by the Karnataka High Court. The matter later reached the Supreme Court, where a split verdict was delivered; the case remains pending before the apex court. 'Even while the matter is pending before the Supreme Court, the government is once again creating an atmosphere of division and anxiety among children,' he alleged.

Broader Criticism of the Siddaramaiah Government

Beyond the hijab controversy, Bommai accused the Congress-led state government of lacking a coherent education policy, pointing to a shortage of teachers and declining academic standards. He argued the government had more pressing priorities. 'The government has enough important work to focus on. Instead, it has chosen to issue this kind of order. Other than appeasement politics, nothing else is visible in this move,' he said.

The Karnataka government has not issued an immediate response to Bommai's remarks. With the Supreme Court case still live, the fresh state order is likely to face fresh legal scrutiny in the days ahead.