‘Will not give in to Hijab activists’: Ashwath Narayan

NT Correspondent

Higher Education Minister Dr C.N. Ashwath Narayana said the state government will not succumb to threats from those who are speaking in favour of hijab.

Talking to reporters in Magadi in Ramanagar district on Wednesday, he said “First we are Indians and then we are Kannadigas. Everyone must understand this and then act. It is unbecoming on the part of some individuals to say that the High Court of Karnataka should have given a judgement in their favour. The government will not succumb to such lame threats”.

The minister pointed out that in most democratic nations, religious dress is banned in public places. In fact, the uniform dress rule was not brought into effect by the current BJP government. “Freedom of expression is allowed in all matters. Those who are not happy with the verdict of the High Court are free to move the Supreme Court. But it is mandatory for all to respect the court verdict failing which suitable action will be initiated”.

Dr Ashwath Narayana also said the government has kept at bay both hijab and saffron shawls while deciding on the dress code. The court has said that hijab is not an essential religious practice. Knowing this, students must focus on their future and help in building a cordial atmosphere .