Former Karnataka Minister P.G.R. Sindya voiced his backing for students’ choice to wear hijabs in schools and colleges, emphasizing it as a personal faith and freedom of expression matter rather than an educational controversy. Sindya, a former close associate of ex-Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, highlighted that the hijab, like other clothing choices, is a form of dress and should be respected as such.
He emphasized that wearing a hijab does not affect education and advocated for individuals to have the freedom to dress according to their beliefs. Minister for Higher Education M.C. Sudhakar, on the other hand, ridiculed the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, sarcastically suggesting that supporters of PM Modi would endorse any decision he makes, including the price hike.
The Karnataka government recently permitted students to wear “limited traditional and faith-based symbols” alongside prescribed uniforms in educational institutions, retracting its previous order on school and college uniforms. This move has stirred controversy, with the Karnataka BJP criticizing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for allegedly displaying bias towards minority communities while being intolerant towards Hindu beliefs and traditions.
