"BJP is trying to create divide in society": Karnataka minister MC Sudhakar on hijab issue

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 5 : Karnataka minister MC Sudhakar on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create a divide in society over the hijab issue and said that that during his school days, his classmates used to wear hijabs and everyone has a choice to practice their culture, implying that the controversy is being fueled by the BJP.
"When I was studying, my classmates were wearing hijab. We never had any issues. BJP is trying to create a serious divide in society. See each one has got their own choice their own culture. In a school, everybody has to sit together. I personally feel the person who triggered the whole issue, I think he has probably some other motive and some other intention," Sudhakar told ANI.
Sudhakar's comments come amid a renewed debate over the hijab issue in Karnataka, which originated two years ago when a principal denied entry to students wearing hijabs in compliance with a government order. The incident sparked widespread protests across the state.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that whatever we do should be based upon actual facts and evidence.
"Let us wait for the report. I have not seen the report. It probably will be placed there in the cabinet and let us see what is there. It is an interim report also... Whatever we do should be based upon actual facts and evidence," Rao said.
Earlier today, the Karnataka government put a hold on the state-level best teacher award, initially set to be given to the principal of Kundapur Government Pre-Graduation College. The principal's identity has not been revealed.
The controversy has its origin back from an incident two years ago when Ramakrishna BG, the then-principal, denied entry to students wearing hijabs in compliance with a government order. This move led to widespread protests across Karnataka, particularly in Mangalore, Mandya, and Udupi districts.
Following the announcement of the award, some 'progressive' individuals took to social media to criticise the decision, leading to a lot of backlash. In response, the state government decided to withhold the award.
Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa commented on the situation and said, "This particular issue, I think they (the committee) have overlooked it. So when we found out yesterday that there was an issue, we have put it on hold for the time being. We will just clarify it and then move ahead and give an update. I have told them to check again and then get back to us. The way he treated the children is the issue... Don't politicise the issue."
Frontline Hindu organisations have condemned the move, accusing the Siddaramiah government of indulging in appeasement.
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticised the Siddaramiah government and termed it "shameless appeasement politics."
"This is what shameless appeasement politics looks like On Teachers Day 2024, a principal selected as one of best teachers - is denied his honor because he enforced the Hijab Ban which was the law," Chandrasekhar said.