Mysore (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that his government decided to lift the hijab ban order from December 23 in educational institutions, which was implemented by the then BJP government in 2022 in the state. The Chief Minister said the choice of dress and food is personal and no one should interfere in it.
Siddaramaiah disclosed this after inaugurating three police stations in the state. "I have given instructions to the authorities concerned to withdraw the hijab ban order, which is currently in force in the state", Siddaramaiah added. Speaking at the inauguration of three police stations in Nanjangud in Mysuru district, the Chief Minister said no one should indulge in vote bank politics.
Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Siddaramaiah said, "They say 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' but sidelining those wearing caps, burqa and sporting beard. Is this what they mean?".
When someone in the crowd asked about restrictions on wearing hijab, the CM said, "No (restrictions). You can wear Hijab. I have instructed (the officials) that there will be no restriction from tomorrow onwards (23 December). You can wear and eat whatever you want. It's up to you."
"... your choices are yours and my choices are mine. it's that simple," Siddaramaiah said amid the cheering crowd. "I wear dhoti and kurta, and you wear pant and shirt. It's your choice. What's wrong in this?" he asked.
"We and the officers are getting salaries from the tax money paid by the people. Public service is our first priority. That's why people voted for us. The police should treat people with respect and listen to their matters. It should become a people-friendly police station. Police should learn to use civil language. Law and order should be the first priority', he added.
The Chief Minister said "The Congress party does not indulge in politics for votes. Congress government came to power to protect the rights of the poor, backward classes, Dalits and minorities. There is no question of compromising on this."
Referring to the five guarantees of the government in Karnataka, he said the benefits are available to people irrespective of their caste, religion and even "political ideology". "Even BJP supporters are availing the benefits and travelling in the bus free of cost. We never discriminate," he concluded.
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