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

Trump vows to pardon Jan. 6 defendants on Day One
Factbox-Syrian rebel supporters hoist flags at embassies abroad
US to work with partners in Syria to manage risk after Assad toppled, Biden says
Syria's Assad is in Moscow after deal on military bases, says Russian state media
Syria's Assad and his family are in Moscow after Russia granted them asylum, say Russian news agencies
Ukraine says Assad's fall underscores Russian weakness
Assad loyalists shaken by his fall, some relieved by lack of violence
Global climate financing conference opens in south China
Roundup: Uganda's Chekwemoi, home runner Chebolei storm to Great Chepsaita Cross titles
How it happened: Two seismic weeks that toppled Syria's government

Others Also Read