We will follow Supreme Court’s order: Madhu Bangarappa on Hijab row

In a progress review meeting held on October 21st helmed by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Cabinet Minister for Higher Education Sudhakar,a decision was taken with regard to allowing students wearing the Hijab during competitive exams. It was decided that as per the guidelines pertaining to NEET, students can be permitted to wear the Hijab. The Karnataka government also clarified that candidates would be permitted to wear Hijab while appearing for recruitment related examinations conducted by Karnataka Examinations Authority. Exams are being held on October 28 and 29 to fill vacancies in five corporations. 

This move was not well received by certain factions in the state. Pro-Hindu groups have stated that they might take to the streets over the issue. Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated that the government is bound by the rule of law and would follow the Supreme Court’s directive in this issue. He lashed out at his critics. “They don’t have any other business, they are picking up this rubbish. They don’t have a progressive agenda. They don’t have a developmental agenda. They are only looking to polarise votes. People are sick of these things. We have a handful of work. We are busy,” he stated in an interaction with ANI.