Karkala: Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar has strongly criticised the Karnataka Congress government over its reported decision to withdraw the order enforcing a dress code in educational institutions and permit the wearing of hijab in schools and colleges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former minister accused the Congress government of once again indulging in what he described as “Muslim appeasement politics” for electoral gains.
The remarks come amid political debate surrounding the state government’s reported move related to the dress code order introduced in educational institutions during the previous BJP administration.
MLA questions timing of government move
According to V. Sunil Kumar, the dress code order implemented in 2022 for government educational institutions and pre-university colleges remains under consideration before the Supreme Court.
He argued that withdrawing or altering the order before the apex court delivers its final verdict would amount to disregarding constitutional procedures and judicial processes.
The BJP leader further alleged that such a move could be interpreted as a violation of constitutional principles and contempt towards the judiciary while the matter remains pending before the court.
He maintained that the state government should wait for the final judicial decision before introducing any policy changes related to uniforms and religious attire in educational institutions.
Allegations of vote-bank politics
The Karkala MLA also accused the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of pursuing vote-bank politics in an attempt to regain support from sections of the Muslim community.
According to him, the government’s reported stand on the hijab issue followed recent decisions involving financial allocations for the development of Muslim colonies and welfare measures targeting minority communities.
Sunil Kumar claimed the Congress was prioritising electoral considerations over national unity and constitutional values.
He further alleged that the party was attempting to revive its political fortunes after facing setbacks in the Davanagere by-election, though no official government statement linking the two issues has been issued.
Debate over uniform policy
The BJP MLA argued that the concept of a school or college uniform is intended to maintain equality and uniformity among students irrespective of religion, caste or social background.
He pointed out what he described as a contradiction in the reported government position, stating that while the dress code order emphasised that the basic purpose of uniforms should not be altered or weakened, permitting hijab would, according to him, change the very concept of a uniform system.
The hijab issue has remained a politically sensitive and legally contested subject in Karnataka ever since protests and counter-protests erupted in parts of the state in 2022 over the wearing of religious attire in educational institutions.
The matter subsequently reached the courts, leading to prolonged legal and political discussions regarding religious freedom, institutional discipline and constitutional rights.
Congress accused of divisive politics
Continuing his criticism, V. Sunil Kumar alleged that the Congress government lacked a clear educational policy and was instead encouraging social division through identity-based politics.
He warned that what he termed as “appeasement politics” had already weakened the Congress party in several states and claimed Karnataka could witness a similar political outcome in the future.
The BJP leader also cited states such as West Bengal while accusing the Congress of compromising constitutional values for political benefits.
However, the Karnataka government has not yet officially responded to the allegations made by Sunil Kumar regarding the reported policy move.
The issue is expected to continue generating political debate in the state as discussions over uniforms, religious freedom and educational policy remain highly sensitive topics across Karnataka.