QUESTION: Why has the right to wear hijab become a controversy in Karnataka? Is the politics of Hijab driven by a hidden agenda?

ANSWER: The controversy is finding resonance in street protests and social media outrage across the country. Those who favour the wearing of hijab argue that they are seeking the protection of their religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of India. Those who argue against the use of hijab in educational institutions say that in 2013, the state of Karnataka had issued a directive making uniforms compulsory for educational institutions. There are many who think that the present crisis has been planned to engineer communal polarization in the state as it approaches another state election in 2023. It is a bare truth that while this controversy will destroy communal harmony and deep friendship existing among multifaceted communities, it will politically benefit those who are behind it. Why make a fuss about an innocuous move, they may argue, but all are aware of the hidden motive behind it. It is shocking to see that such matters take precedence over urgent issues like unemployment, farmer suicide, shortage of good running water, etc. Thankfully, people who value justice and freedom are intervening to rebuild the peace.

Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath
Mandya