Tensions had been brewing in Karnataka over the hijab ban for students as well as attacks on local churches and DK Shivkumar’s embracing speech warmed hearts.
D. K. Shivakumar President of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee’s recent heartwarming speech calling Muslims and Hindus brothers and sisters stirred hearts and broke down many rigid walls.
Speaking at a conference, he said, “Do you want to know who a Musalman is for me? They are my brothers. We will live together and die together. And Madrasah is their faith. If your religion is big for you, then theirs is big for them. Whatever the religion, just be human.”
Powerful words💪💪💪💪
"Do you want to know who a Musalman is for me ? They are my brothers. We will live together and die together. And Madrasah is their faith. If your religion is big for you, then theirs is big for them. Whatever the religion, just be human."
DK.. pic.twitter.com/WvKLWBwnxR
— Gayatri Kachhawa (@KachhawaGayatri) May 14, 2023
The hijab laws stirred tensions in India and globally.
At the beginning of February 2022, a conflict pertaining to school uniforms was reported in the Indian state of Karnataka, when some Muslim students of a junior college who wanted to wear hijab to classes were denied entry on the grounds that it was a violation of the college’s uniform policy which was also followed by the other religion students as well.
In the next few weeks, the controversy crossed over to other schools and colleges across Karnataka, spreading like wildfire, and eventually became a global controversy. Pockets of Hindu students staged counter-protests wearing saffron scarves.
Petitions were filed in the Karnataka High Court on behalf of the disgruntled students. On 10 February, the High Court issued an interim order denying all students from wearing any form of religious attire.
The implementation of dress codes by educational institutes, banning the hijab, was criticized inside India and abroad by officials in countries including the United States and Pakistan, by Human Rights Watch, and by figures like Malala Yousafzai. The ban was defended by politicians such as Arif Mohammad Khan, Aaditya Thackeray, Vishva Hindu Parishad, and activist Taslima Nasreen.
Prominent Muslim leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Kashmiri leaders Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah on Tuesday denounced the Karnataka High Court ruling banning hijab in schools on the grounds that hijab was an essential component of Islam.
The AIMIM chief said that banning headscarf definitely harms devout Muslim women and their families as it prevents them from accessing education. “The excuse being used is that uniform will ensure uniformity. How? Will kids not know who’s from a rich or poor family? Do caste names not denote background? “When Ireland changed the rules for police uniform to allow hijab and Sikh turban, the Modi government welcomed it. So why double standards at home and abroad? Hijabs and turbans of the uniform’s colours can be allowed to be worn,” he said.
Many in Congress are pitching to support DK as chief minister due to his spirited nature, hard work, and inclusiveness. DK Shivkumar had torn up an ant-Christian bill made in the Parliament, bold, energetic, and inclusive, the people in Karnataka are rising to support him.
One Congressman said, “Didn’t want to say this but I’m left with no other option. Siddaramaiah is undoubtedly a veteran leader but he had his term as the Chief Minister in 2013-18.
Now DK Shivakumar should be made the CM without any second thought seeing all his relentless efforts and hard work.
DK Shivakumar said earlier, “I am a responsible man. I will not backstab and I will not blackmail I am with Congress Party.”
D. K. Shivakumar and leaders such as him and the Bharat Jodo Yatra sent a strong message across India that people of all communities are one and strove to dissolve the rising fears of different communities. The heart of inclusiveness is probably one part that led to the recent massive victory of Congress in Karnataka winning with a sweeping majority of 135, BJP with 66, JD 19, and others with 4
