'Congress Establishing Sharia In India': BJP's Giriraj Singh On Scrapping Of Hijab Ban In Karnataka

Union Minister Giriraj Singh alleged potential implementation of Islamic law if a government led by Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party, and the I.N.D.I.Alliance were to come to power in the country.

A day after Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced the lifting of hijab ban in educational institutions in the state, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday expressed that the move was not merely the lifting of the ban on hijab but the establishment of Sharia law in the state. He alleged about potential implementation of Islamic law if a government led by Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party, and the I.N.D.I.Alliance were to come to power in the country. However, after facing backlash from BJP, took a U-turn in the decision and said that they are thinking of withdrawing the decision.

On the no hijab ban in Karnataka announced by CM Siddaramaiah, Union minister Giriraj Singh said,"...This is not merely lifting of the ban on hijab but the establishment of Sharia law in the state. If Rahul Gandhi, Congress and INDI alliance form govt in the country, then Islamic law will be implemented."

 

 

Several Karnataka BJP leaders including state BJP chief Vijayendra and senior leader Yediyurappa opposed the decision. Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa said, "Nobody demanded Siddaramaiah to withdraw this hijab decision. All the communities are together. To attend the classes, the same uniform is required, this has been decided by the court also."

"Just to please the Muslim community, Siddaramaiah has taken this hasty decision... I condemn that and he must withdraw the decision immediately... This will not affect the Lok Saha elections... In the coming Lok Sabha elections, people will teach them a lesson," he said.

However, SDPI welcomed the move of Karnataka CM on Saturday. "In 2021, the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government imposed a ban on Hijab in educational institutions in Karnataka. However, (CM) Siddaramaiah has said that the ban will lifted, and we welcome the move," said SDPI leader Afsar Kodlipet.

On government's decision, Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil said, "The statement made by the CM is in tune with the law and also our earlier style. The decision will be announced soon but the line of thinking of the CM is in line with the government and the party... The last government's decision about hijab was totally biased and it was not in tune with the secular thinking of the country... This has nothing to do with elections..."

Addressing reporters on Saturday, Siddaramaiah said, "I have said this in response to a question. We have not done it yet. We are thinking of withdrawing the decision (of hijab ban). We will discuss it. 

On Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the lifting of ban on wearing hijab in educational institutions in the state starting from December 23. Speaking at the inauguration of three police stations in Nanjangud, Mysuru district, he underscored the significance of personal choices in attire and food, stating, "Your choices are yours, and my choices are mine. It's that simple," according to the news agency PTI.

"I wear a dhoti and kurta, and you wear pants and a shirt. It's your choice. What's wrong with this?" he asked, as per the report.  

The Chief Minister stressed that no one should indulge in vote bank politics.