Bidar (Karnataka), May 15 (IANS) Former Karnataka Minister P.G.R. Sindya on Friday expressed support for allowing students to wear hijabs in educational institutions, stating that the issue should be viewed as a matter of personal faith and freedom of expression rather than as a controversy linked to education.

Sindya is a former close associate of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.

Speaking on the ongoing debate over hijabs in schools and colleges, Sindya said the hijab was not a major issue for the country and described it as a form of dress like other clothing choices.

“Hijab is undoubtedly a matter of faith. Like many other forms of clothing we wear, the hijab is also a type of dress. There is nothing wrong with wearing it or choosing not to wear it,” he said.

Sindya further stated that, in his view, wearing a hijab has no impact on education.

“People should have the freedom to wear what they choose. What is wrong if someone wears it? How is it connected to the education system?” he questioned.

He added that if wearing the hijab is part of a person’s faith, they should be allowed to wear it freely.

Meanwhile, Minister for Higher Education M.C. Sudhakar mocked the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, saying that “blind followers” of PM Modi would remain happy regardless of whatever decision he takes.

Speaking in Bengaluru, Sudhakar sarcastically said that the fuel price hike was actually “a matter of happiness” because PM Modi’s supporters always back his decisions.

“When people were told not to buy gold recently, they supported it. When they were told not to use vehicles, they said they would stop travelling. They will listen to whatever PM Modi says everywhere,” he remarked.

Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, Sudhakar said PM Modi’s supporters claim that he is providing people-friendly governance.

“They are all happy even though petrol and diesel prices have increased,” he said sarcastically.

Permitting the wearing of hijabs and sacred threads, the Karnataka government on Wednesday withdrew its February 5, 2022, order on school and college uniforms and issued fresh guidelines allowing students to wear “limited traditional and faith-based symbols” along with prescribed uniforms in educational institutions across the state, sparking a major controversy.

Responding to the decision of the government not to allow saffron shawls and headgear in schools and colleges, the Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of showing intolerance towards Hindu beliefs, traditions, and religious symbols while allegedly displaying favouritism towards minority communities.

–IANS

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