BJP MLAs, VHP slam Karnataka govt over withdrawal of 2022 Hijab Ban Order

BJP MLAs, VHP slam Karnataka govt over withdrawal of 2022 Hijab Ban Order

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 14, 2026: BJP MLAs D Vedavyas Kamath and YD Bharath Shetty criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government for withdrawing the uniform policy introduced by the previous BJP regime in schools and colleges.

Mangaluru City South MLA Kamath alleged that the decision would harm the academic atmosphere and weaken equality and unity among students. He said uniforms were intended to remove caste and religious differences, but accused the government of promoting divisions through “appeasement politics”.

Kamath further claimed that withdrawing the hijab ban while the matter is pending before the Supreme Court amounted to disregarding the judicial process. Criticising the government for allowing hijabs while opposing saffron shawls, he termed the administration “Tughlaq-style” and accused the Congress of pursuing a “divide and rule” policy for vote-bank politics.

He also alleged that the government was ignoring pressing issues such as shortage of teachers and inadequate infrastructure in government schools.

Mangaluru City North MLA Shetty echoed similar concerns, alleging that the Congress government was creating divisions in educational institutions instead of promoting equality. He said the previous BJP government had introduced the uniform policy to foster unity among students, but the present government had created confusion by withdrawing it.

Accusing the Congress of indulging in vote-bank politics through issues such as hijab, SIR, and withdrawal of cases against minorities, Shetty alleged that the government had failed in ensuring development and maintaining law and order.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also condemned the decision, calling it “appeasement politics” that could create divisions among students.

In a statement, VHP Pranta Sahakaryadarshi Sharan Pumpwell alleged that the government was bringing religious divisions into educational institutions instead of preserving their sanctity and discipline. He claimed the move reflected an attempt to weaken the education system and urged youths to protest against the decision.

Sharan said the VHP and its youth wings, Bajrang Dal and Durga Vahini, would stage protests against the government’s decision.