Karnataka’s Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, criticized the Congress government for allowing limited traditional and faith-based symbols, including hijab, in schools and colleges. Ashoka accused the government of using this decision as a “desperate appeasement strategy” following recent political events. He claimed that the government’s focus on religious issues was a diversion from addressing critical governance failures.
Ashoka alleged that the government’s move to permit hijab was aimed at safeguarding its voter base, rather than addressing pressing issues like inflation, corruption, and law enforcement. He criticized the government for disregarding a previous court ruling that upheld a uniform dress code in educational institutions, accusing them of disrespecting judicial decisions.
The opposition leader accused the Congress government of practicing “selective secularism” by allowing hijabs while opposing other religious symbols in schools. He warned that such policies could harm social harmony and accused the government of playing divisive politics for electoral gains. Ashoka emphasized that voters were closely watching the government’s actions and would reject divisive appeasement tactics.
The Karnataka government recently reversed its 2022 uniform order, now permitting students to wear limited traditional and faith-based symbols alongside their uniforms in educational institutions across the state.
