Bengaluru: C. T. Ravi has questioned whether schools should continue to follow a uniform dress code, accusing the state government of engaging in “communal appeasement politics” over its stand on religious attire in educational institutions.
Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office along with MLA Yashpal Suvarna and party spokesperson Dr. Narendra Rangappa, Ravi alleged that the government had issued a circular permitting hijab, janivara and rudraksha while refusing permission for saffron shawls.
Clarifying the BJP’s stand, he said the party was not against the hijab, but stressed that school uniforms were introduced to ensure equality among students irrespective of religion or background.
Ravi questioned the purpose behind uniforms and alleged that the Education Minister lacked clarity on the history and objective of dress codes in schools. He said uniforms were implemented to create equality among children from different communities and traditions.
Referring to the Karnataka Education Act of 1983, he said autonomy regarding uniforms had been granted to school and college management boards and argued that hijab had never historically been part of school uniforms.
He further alleged that the Congress government was continuing a policy of religious appeasement in the name of secularism. “India is not a country that believes in one book, one prophet and one God. It is a country that believes God is one with many names,” he said.
Ravi also questioned whether the government respected all religious traditions equally. He claimed the circular appeared selective by allowing certain religious symbols while rejecting saffron shawls.
“If hijab is permitted in the name of respecting traditions, then how will you deny saffron shawls if any school management includes them in the uniform tomorrow?” he asked.
Accusing the government of adopting a “double standard,” Ravi said allowing religious distinctions in schools could weaken the very purpose of a common uniform system and lead to divisions along religious lines.
