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

UK police say six charged over suspected PKK activity
Exclusive-Meta contractor dismissed threats to moderators by Ethiopia rebels: court documents
Switzerland suspends Syria asylum proceedings after Assad's fall
S.Korea parliament passes bill to appoint special counsel probe of President Yoon
CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione was Ivy League graduate who praised Unabomber
K-pop light sticks fire up impeachment protests in South Korea
Google unveils new quantum computer with mind-boggling speed
South Korea opposition party plans to pass government budget bill on Tuesday
Suspect in killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson charged with murder
Malaysia urges inclusive dialogue for peace, stability in Syria

Others Also Read