In hijab row, critics say India's BJP looking for votes in southern state


  • World
  • Friday, 18 Feb 2022

FILE PHOTO: A woman waves the Indian flag as others hold placards during a protest against the recent hijab ban in schools in Karnataka state, on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, February 13, 2022. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo

UDUPI, India (Reuters) - A series of religious laws promoted by India's ruling Hindu nationalist party in the southern state of Karnataka, including a ban on the wearing of hijabs, is raising concerns the divisive measures will stoke sectarian tensions more prevalent in the country's north.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently banned wearing the hijab in classrooms in Karnataka, the only one of India's five southern states it rules. A proposal to make religious conversions largely illegal is being considered by the local legislature.

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

US asks Syrian rebels HTS to help in search for journalist Austin Tice
Brazil to edit regulations on Tuesday to unlock Congress agenda, says official
Syrians scour disfigured corpses for signs of detained loved ones
U.S. dollar ticks up
Drone hits IAEA vehicle on road to Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, agency says
U.S. Supreme Court may limit environmental statements blocking energy development: report
November 2024 marks second-hottest November in record: NASA
U.S. South Carolina mental illness group homes sued by federal government
1st LD: Large wildfire in Southern California triggers evacuations
Yearender: China-EU trade relations seek common ground amid uncertainties

Others Also Read