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

Ghana's presidential frontrunners in last-minute rally for votes
Canada's wheat production up, canola production down
Russia's Putin appoints new governor for partly occupied Kursk region
UN agency calls for sustainable soil management to combat land degradation
U.S. stocks close lower
Canada's int'l trade increases in October
Crude futures settle lower
U.S. dollar ticks down
Results of FIFA Club World Cup 2025 draw
1st LD: Over 5 million people under tsunami warning after 7.0 earthquake hits northern California

Others Also Read