Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday said that the decision to lift the hijab ban in educational institutions in the state will be done after thorough examination and within constitutional bounds.
"Basavaraj Bommai (former CM) clarified that they have not made any order (regarding hijab). CM Siddaramaiah himself said that even if it is done, we will check it,” said the state Home Minister while speaking to reporters in Mangluru.
“The government will make appropriate decisions after a thorough examination. No need to get confused about it... Some confusion and interpretations were made on it after the BJP came to power in Karnataka...We will take the decision within the constitutional bounds," he added.
On Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the restrictions on wearing hijab in educational institutions in the state will be lifted from December 23.
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Speaking at the inauguration of three police stations in Nanjangud, Mysuru district, the CM stressed on the importance of choices regarding dress and food, stating, "Your choices are yours, and my choices are mine. It's that simple", as quoted by news agency PTI.
Answering a question about restrictions on hijab, the CM assured, "No (restrictions). You can wear a hijab. I have instructed (the officials) that there will be no restriction from tomorrow onwards. You can wear and eat whatever you want. It's up to you."
"I wear a dhoti and kurta, and you wear pants and a shirt. It's your choice. What's wrong with this?" he asked.
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CM Siddaramaiah also said that no one should indulge in vote bank politics.
Former CM Basavaraj Bommai accused Siddaramaiah of hiding the failures of his government as well as raising the issue for only political gains. He said the hijab was not banned all over the state but not allowed where there was a dress code, adding that Muslim women are permitted to wear hijab everywhere.
"When the Hijab is not banned, where is the question of lifting the ban," he said while speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday.