Saffron shawls barred, existing religious symbols allowed: Siddaramaiah

Mysuru/Bengaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah Thursday clarified that saffron shawls will not be allowed in educational institutions under the Karnataka govt’s order on religious symbols, while practices already in existence such as hijab, turbans, rudraksha beads and sacred threads (janivara) would be permitted.

“See, it is not just the hijab,” Siddaramaiah said in Mysuru. “People can also wear turbans, sacred threads, Shivadhara rudraksha beads — everyone can wear things according to their beliefs. This is allowed up to Class 12, whether it is high school, college or primary school. It applies to all.”

Asked whether turbans representing saffron identity would be permitted, he said only practices already in existence would be allowed. “Nothing new can be introduced,” he said.

The govt Wednesday issued an order allowing students to wear hijab, Shivadhara rudraksha and sacred thread in schools, scrapping the BJP govt’s 2022 order that had banned hijabs in govt schools following the hijab-versus-saffron shawl controversy. BJP and Hindu right-wing groups criticised the decision, with some organisations threatening to wear saffron shawls in schools.

In Bengaluru, BJP legislator CT Ravi asked if schools should continue with a dress code if religious symbols and attire were selectively allowed. He said BJP was not opposed to hijab but supported uniformity in educational institutions.

“School uniforms were introduced to ensure equality among students irrespective of religion and tradition,” Ravi said. “If every religious practice is allowed inside schools, the purpose behind the uniform system will be defeated.”

He said the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, clearly defined the objective of dress codes and empowered school and college managements to implement them. “India is not based on the concept of one book, one prophet or one God. It is a country of diverse traditions and beliefs. If hijab is allowed, what is the basis for rejecting saffron shawls?” he asked, alleging double standards.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused Congress of trying to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims. “There are several pressing issues before the govt, but instead it is trying to create conflict between communities,” he said.

In Shivamogga, former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa accused the govt of violating a 2022 directive from the high court which, he said, ruled that the hijab is not an essential religious practice in Islam. He argued that by rolling back the previous ban, the govt is encouraging religious division and politicising the education system.

Union minister HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) said the govt’s decision was triggered by disgruntlement during the Davanagere South byelection. He said Congress was rattled by voting patterns “of a particular community” and took the decision to allow hijabs “to appease that community”.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind welcomed the govt’s decision allowing students to wear the hijab, describing it as a positive step towards safeguarding religious freedom and educational rights. In a statement, Mohammed Saad Belgami, Ameer-e-Halqa of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, said the decision would help Muslim girl students continue their education without fear or uncertainty. “Educational institutions should be safe spaces where students can pursue their education with dignity, confidence and a sense of security,” Belgami said.