‘Congress Will Lift Hijab Ban’: Kaneez Fatima, Karnataka's Only Muslim Woman MLA

[KingKhanWC]

When Kaneez Fatima was asked by the Congress party leadership to contest the Karnataka assembly elections in 2018, she was left quite baffled. It hadn’t even been a full year since her husband, Qamar ul Islam, a six-time MLA and a two-time cabinet minister, had passed away.

After all, a hijab-clad Muslim woman is hardly the poster-figure of electoral politics in India, let alone Karnataka. Hesitantly though, Kaneez agreed to contest the elections from Gulbarga North constituency — the seat that her late husband had held for three decades — and won by a margin of nearly 6,000 votes, making her the only Muslim woman MLA in Karnataka’s 224-member assembly.

Five years later, in 2023, the competition was fiercer. Not only did the BJP campaign actively in the region, Kaneez also had to compete with nine candidates from within the Muslim community, including those from the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and multiple independent candidates.

This time she won by a margin of nearly 3,000 votes, and just managed to defeat BJP’s Chandrakanth Patil, a Lingayat leader.

“When multiple Muslims contest in a seat that has a significant Muslim population, it’s always tougher. But it’s not just that. BJP was also very active in its campaign here, especially since they saw how vocal I was on the hijab ban issue. They knew it could be a good subject to polarise voters on,” Kaneez told The Quint, days after her victory.

In early 2022, the BJP-led state government imposed the hijab ban, and since then, Kaneez has been at the forefront of the protest against the ban. It is pertinent to note that she is one of the few sitting MLAs to have done so.

https://www.thequint.com/elections/...ima-karnataka-only-muslim-woman-mla#read-more

There is hope for India yet.

How embarrassing for the saffron clad extremist government in Hindustan.

 

[KingKhanWC]

[MENTION=76058]cricketjoshila[/MENTION] [MENTION=428]Romali_rotti[/MENTION] [MENTION=147130]happydavy[/MENTION]

Surely this has back fired on the BJP.

They ban the hijab, then a hijab wearing lady goes on to win the election.

 

[KingKhanWC]

This is the extremist minister who was behind the Hijab ban.

Now many females can continue their education and he can cry in the classroom corner.

 

[Romali_rotti]

[MENTION=76058]cricketjoshila[/MENTION] [MENTION=428]Romali_rotti[/MENTION] [MENTION=147130]happydavy[/MENTION]

Surely this has back fired on the BJP.

They ban the hijab, then a hijab wearing lady goes on to win the election.

lol

I supported muslim women wearing the Hijab if that was what they wanted, but it seems PM Modi and BJP are living too much in your head bro.

Let it go, don't let it get to you.

 

[KingKhanWC]

lol

I supported muslim women wearing the Hijab if that was what they wanted, but it seems PM Modi and BJP are living too much in your head bro.

Let it go, don't let it get to you.

Im glad you are civilised and intelligent to support women wanting to show some modesty and follow an act of their faith which bothers nobody.

It was news on my social media, im not into bollywood dramas bro.

I think [MENTION=2099]Cricket[/MENTION]joshlia did support this , something about being secular, yet he supports religoius extermists lol. Talk nah joshila?

 

[Romali_rotti]

Im glad you are civilised and intelligent to support women wanting to show some modesty and follow an act of their faith which bothers nobody.

It was news on my social media, im not into bollywood dramas bro.

I think [MENTION=2099]Cricket[/MENTION]joshlia did support this , something about being secular, yet he supports religoius extermists lol. Talk nah joshila?

I questioned when ppl were saying per the Quran the Hijab was mantory, however I have no issues if a female wants to wear a Hijab, that should be their choice.

However if a school had a dress code which said a female student is not allowed to wear a Hijab from the time of its opening then that should be respected.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Is India's Karnataka state considering hijab ban? Minister clarifies

Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar issuing clarification over dress code said that there is no ban on hijabs during the upcoming examinations for boards and corporations.

The announcement comes just ahead of various recruitment exams scheduled for November 18 and 19 across Karnataka.

The KEA's directive explicitly states that wearing "any garment or cap that covers head, mouth, or ears" is prohibited in the exam hall, citing efforts to prevent malpractices involving Bluetooth devices.

Minister clarifies objective of dress code

Minister Sudhakar asserted that the primary goal behind the dress code was to prevent malpractices during exams. He reasoned that since hijabs do not cover the mouth, the use of Bluetooth devices for cheating would not be possible.

He further stated that the dress code rules were being misinterpreted.

Addressing concerns regarding hijab-wearing candidates, the minister revealed that women donning hijabs would need to arrive at exam centers an hour earlier for thorough frisking.

To enhance security measures, more metal detectors will be introduced to prevent cheating incidents that have occurred in previous years.

Minister dismisses criticism

Minister Sudhakar defended the dress code, asserting that the rules were not new and had been in place earlier. He clarified that the prohibition on unnecessary caps or scarves did not apply to hijabs, aiming to dispel any confusion surrounding the regulations.

Is India's Karnataka state considering hijab ban? Minister clarifies

Minister Sudhakar asserted that the primary goal behind the dress code was to prevent malpractices during exams. He reasoned that since hijabs do not cover the mouth, the use of Bluetooth devices for cheating would not be possible.

www.samaa.tv

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Addressing concerns regarding hijab-wearing candidates, the minister revealed that women donning hijabs would need to arrive at exam centers an hour earlier for thorough frisking.

Is it fair to place an undue burden on students by requesting them to arrive 1 hour early simply due to the wearing of a hijab? this is the another way to put ban on hijaab in my opinion.

 

[globetrotter]

Some peoples in India wanted to take India to medieval ages… Iran women wants hijab to be banned… what a contrast

 

[FearlessRoar]

HC upholds ban on hijab, burqa, niqabs in Chembur college​

The Bombay high court on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by nine female students of NG Acharya and DK Marathe College in Chembur, who had challenged their college dress code banning hijabs, niqabs, burkas, stoles, caps, and badges.

The division bench, comprising justices AS Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil, upheld the college’s authority to enforce the dress code, saying the objective behind it was to ensure that students’ clothes “should not reveal his/ her religion, which is a step towards ensuring they focus on gaining knowledge and education”.

The court referenced past rulings and affirmed the college’s right to administer and maintain uniformity, saying, “Instructions have been issued by the college administration in exercise of its right to administer the educational institution under Article 19(1)(g) and Article 26 of the Constitution.”

During the previous hearing, the college had argued that wearing hijabs or niqabs was not an essential part of Islam and, therefore, did not need to be permitted on campus.

In their petition, the students claimed that the directive, issued via their college WhatsApp group, required them to remove their head coverings before attending class, violating their fundamental right to life and religion. They argued that the directive was arbitrary, unreasonable, and legally perverse.

Senior counsel Anil Anturkar, representing the college, said the restrictions were necessary to ensure decency and uniformity within the college premises. He emphasised that the college’s policy aimed to prevent students from openly displaying their religious identities unless it was proven to be an essential religious practice.

“People come to college to study. Let the students do that and leave everything else outside,” Anturkar said. “If tomorrow a student comes dressed in full bhagwa (saffron) clothing, the college will oppose that too. Why is it necessary to openly disclose one’s religion or caste? Will a Brahmin roam around with his sacred thread outside his clothes,” he asked.

Anturkar also argued that the students’ petition was not bonafide, but was filed solely for publicity. “I am implementing it for everybody. What’s the objection?” he said, adding that allowing such displays could cause disharmony.

Advocate Altaf Khan, representing the students, questioned why hijabs and niqabs were suddenly causing disharmony. “Most of the petitioners have been donning the attire for over two years. Now what happened suddenly? Why was this ban imposed now? The dress code says wear decent clothes. So, is the college management saying that hijabs, niqabs, and burkas are indecent clothing or revealing?”

Khan had also criticised the perceived inconsistency in the college’s dress code, which allows western clothing but bans hijabs and niqabs. “I don’t understand anything about the impugned instructions. As Indians, they can wear western dresses. It’s absurd that they cannot wear hijab or niqab, which are very much Indian.”

After hearing both sides, the court concluded that the petitioners had failed to produce sufficient evidence to prove that wearing a hijab was an essential religious practice. “While the right to religious freedom is paramount, it must be balanced against institutional regulations necessary for maintaining order and educational atmosphere,” the court noted. There was no violation of students’ fundamental right to expression as “the restriction on attire is a reasonable restriction in the interests of maintaining discipline and ensuring an academic environment conducive to learning,” it further said.

In conclusion, the court emphasised that institutions have the autonomy to frame rules ensuring academic discipline and decorum, which includes prescribing a dress code that promotes an inclusive environment. The court agreed with the precedent set by the Karnataka high court, saying, “We are in respectful agreement with the view expressed by the full bench that prescription of a dress code is intended to achieve uniformity amongst students in the school/ college so as to maintain discipline and avoid disclosure of one’s religion.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/hc-upholds-ban-on-hijab-burqa-niqabs-in-chembur-college-101719427926980.html

 

[Romali_rotti]

Some peoples in India wanted to take India to medieval ages… Iran women wants hijab to be banned… what a contrast

Some converts from the sub continent are very hard core.. They probably feel the need to follow their abhrahimic faiths to the core to appease and get recognition from the ppl that brought the faith to the region...

 

[Justcrazy]

Some peoples in India wanted to take India to medieval ages… Iran women wants hijab to be banned… what a contrast

How does wearing hijab take India to medieval ages? Can you care to enlighten us?

 

[Itachi]

How does wearing hijab take India to medieval ages? Can you care to enlighten us?

Because excluding the Islamic perspective, the rest sees it as institutionalisation of oppressive conduct that of a patriarchy which was prevalent in the medieval era. Even the reason behind niqab/hijab is misogynist if you see it from a non Islamic point of view.

 

[globetrotter]

How does wearing hijab take India to medieval ages? Can you care to enlighten us?

First tell me what you achieve by implementing it? Nothing… Muslim women aren’t in its favour… u ppl wants male dominant society by clipping Muslim women’s right

 

[BouncerGuy]

First tell me what you achieve by implementing it? Nothing… Muslim women aren’t in its favour… u ppl wants male dominant society by clipping Muslim women’s right

Women who don't want or support hijab ( I am talking about the hijab that is mandatory in Islam) are not really following Islam, they are more towards the liberal side than Islam.

Hijab is a mandatory part of women in Islam so male dominance has nothing to do with it.

 

[globetrotter]

Women who don't want or support hijab ( I am talking about the hijab that is mandatory in Islam) are not really following Islam, they are more towards the liberal side than Islam.

Hijab is a mandatory part of women in Islam so male dominance has nothing to do with it.

Nothing is mandatory, therefore many Muslim countries against Hijab

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Personally, I find the Hijab less jarring than unkempt Hindu Sandhus or people with red dots on their foreheads. Those on the other side will feel the opposite. Personal bias shouldn't influence laws in countries where there is mixed populations.

As long as people aren't forced nor infringe on the rights of others by expressing their religious or cultural identities, then no state should ban or enforce any article of clothing.

 

[Statpadder Inc]

Personally, I find the Hijab less jarring than unkempt Hindu Sandhus or people with red dots on their foreheads. Those on the other side will feel the opposite. Personal bias shouldn't influence laws in countries where there is mixed populations.

As long as people aren't forced nor infringe on the rights of others by expressing their religious or cultural identities, then no state should ban or enforce any article of clothing.

Many Muslim women are forced to wear a hijab, no one's forced to wear a bindi.

And Sadhus are religious gurus, not normal everyday people. No one's asking maulvis to shave their beard or remove the cap

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Many Muslim women are forced to wear a hijab, no one's forced to wear a bindi.

And Sadhus are religious gurus, not normal everyday people. No one's asking maulvis to shave their beard or remove the cap

You don't know how many are forced to wear a hijab or how many are forced to wear a bindi.

You are merely projecting your own biases.

They are religious gurus maybe to you but to many they will appear as dirty old men. Similarly you see Hijab women as oppressed and timid while those in favour of Hijab see them as brave and anti materialism.

The state should be above such biases, whether it is banning hijab or enforcing it like Iran.

 

[Statpadder Inc]

You don't know how many are forced to wear a hijab or how many are forced to wear a bindi.

You are merely projecting your own biases.

They are religious gurus maybe to you but to many they will appear as dirty old men. Similarly you see Hijab women as oppressed and timid while those in favour of Hijab see them as brave and anti materialism.

The state should be above such biases, whether it is banning hijab or enforcing it like Iran.

I don't support a blanket ban the hijab because it's not constitutional and practical in a country like India.

For you Sadhus may be dirty old men, for some Maulvis may be that, it all depends on your perspective.

Not every woman who wears the Hijab is oppressed, but many of them are forced by their family

 

[Red-Indian]

Because excluding the Islamic perspective, the rest sees it as institutionalisation of oppressive conduct that of a patriarchy which was prevalent in the medieval era. Even the reason behind niqab/hijab is misogynist if you see it from a non Islamic point of view.

While I am personally against folks wearing visible religious symbols and clothing that create distinctions in educational institutions, a ban on such things including hijabs is ridiculous in a country like India.

Whether willingly or unwillingly (forced by family & society), millions of Muslim women will not go out in public without a Hijab. The fact that for an already undereducated section (women) within an undereducated community (Muslims), we're willing to deny the benefits of education on a vague principle which most who want to enforce cannot even clearly articulate is frankly astonishing to me.

If we want to go the France way and remove any sign of religion from public life, let's have a vote on it. No Mangalsutras, hijabs, bindis, sindoor etc. I'll vote in favor but let's see how many Indians will.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

[

I don't support a blanket ban the hijab because it's not constitutional and practical in a country like India.

For you Sadhus may be dirty old men, for some Maulvis may be that, it all depends on your perspective.

Not every woman who wears the Hijab is oppressed, but many of them are forced by their family

Yes it depends on perspective that what I said lol

Many women are forced to wear bindi for cultural reasons and subjugation to patriarchal practices.

For example there was a video of BJP minister shouting at a women for not wearing a Bindi. It reminded me of morality police in Iran.

 

[Statpadder Inc]

Many women are forced to wear bindi for cultural reasons and subjugation to patriarchal practices.

They aren't, you are trying to create a false equivalency

For example there was a video of BJP minister shouting at a women for not wearing a Bindi. It reminded me of morality police in Iran.

Yes, someone random BJP leader shouting at some woman is the same as woman in Iran getting beaten and brutalized by the State for not wearing a hijab lol

 

[Itachi]

While I am personally against folks wearing visible religious symbols and clothing that create distinctions in educational institutions, a ban on such things including hijabs is ridiculous in a country like India.

Whether willingly or unwillingly (forced by family & society), millions of Muslim women will not go out in public without a Hijab. The fact that for an already undereducated section (women) within an undereducated community (Muslims), we're willing to deny the benefits of education on a vague principle which most who want to enforce cannot even clearly articulate is frankly astonishing to me.

If we want to go the France way and remove any sign of religion from public life, let's have a vote on it. No Mangalsutras, hijabs, bindis, sindoor etc. I'll vote in favor but let's see how many Indians will.

The concerned authority has already defined its boundary which is not discriminatory as in their explanation, they mentioned same criteria to all.

What you are referring to is positive discrimination. But look at how the positive discrimination has given the issue of caste politicism in the end. You are looking at short term again while ignoring the bigger problem that may erupt due to side effect of positive discrimination as it will result in to more communalism which will start from college elections itself in a more violent matter in future.

 

[Itachi]

[
Yes it depends on perspective that what I said lol

Many women are forced to wear bindi for cultural reasons and subjugation to patriarchal practices.

There are two types of obligation in this context.

- cultural obligation and
- insititutional obligation.

You are comparing cultural obligation (bindi) of some hindu society to institutional obligation as the case above. That is why it is a false equivalence

 

[DeadlyVenom]

They aren't, you are trying to create a false equivalency

Yes, someone random BJP leader shouting at some woman is the same as woman in Iran getting beaten and brutalized by the State for not wearing a hijab lol

Your argument is all over the place. I think it would make more sense for you to state why you think Hijab should be banned?

There are two types of obligation in this context.

- cultural obligation and
- insititutional obligation.

You are comparing cultural obligation (bindi) of some hindu society to institutional obligation as the case above. That is why it is a false equivalence

What is the difference between these two obligations apart from there is one that you are in favour of and one you dislike?

 

[Statpadder Inc]

Your argument is all over the place. I think it would make more sense for you to state why you think Hijab should be banned?

The Hijab shouldn't be banned in India, because it's simply not possible to do so

 

[Itachi]

Your argument is all over the place. I think it would make more sense for you to state why you think Hijab should be banned?

What is the difference between these two obligations apart from there is one that you are in favour of and one you dislike?

institutional value in this context will portray in terms of "secular" and will be legally binding.

[Note: Here secular refers to the Indian version and not the western version. The western scoiological theories completely spearates Religion and the State in the subject of secular but in the Indian version (Indological) doesn't separate religion & state but gives equal opportunity.]

The cultural obligations are not legally binding and subjective to various societies.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

institutional value in this context will portray in terms of "secular" and will be legally binding.

[Note: Here secular refers to the Indian version and not the western version. The western scoiological theories completely spearates Religion and the State in the subject of secular but in the Indian version (Indological) doesn't separate religion & state but gives equal opportunity.]

The cultural obligations are not legally binding and subjective to various societies.

Again it seems on your preference or dislike. As long as institution bans something you dislike it's ok.

 

[Itachi]

Again it seems on your preference or dislike. As long as institution bans something you dislike it's ok.

it is not about liking/disliking. The personal prejudice will always be there in each people's mind.

But it's about uniformity here. If you could cite any instance in this ruling where it treats other religion differently, then yes, the personal prejudice will come in to play.

But I don't see a discrimination here. On the other hand, discrimination exists in your case where subtly implying that Muslims should be treated differently than other religions in the college.

 

[Justcrazy]

Because excluding the Islamic perspective, the rest sees it as institutionalisation of oppressive conduct that of a patriarchy which was prevalent in the medieval era. Even the reason behind niqab/hijab is misogynist if you see it from a non Islamic point of view.

So , a modest dress code takes people backwards ? Does it prevent people from normal day to day life , what is the thing a woman with Hijab cannot do in day to day life that others in society cannot do? Hijab covers hair , not her brains .

 

[Justcrazy]

First tell me what you achieve by implementing it? Nothing… Muslim women aren’t in its favour… u ppl wants male dominant society by clipping Muslim women’s right

Its a religious injunction , if you are proclaiming equality rights for women , then why a woman who wants to follow her religion is burning you ? Choice of dress code is a personal thing , you never object to saree or skirt etc. Just because head is covered , you have issue with that ?

 

[Justcrazy]

I don't support a blanket ban the hijab because it's not constitutional and practical in a country like India.

For you Sadhus may be dirty old men, for some Maulvis may be that, it all depends on your perspective.

Not every woman who wears the Hijab is oppressed, but many of them are forced by their family

Families can force many things , I have seen that even children are forced to study certain subjects , but does that mean we will ban every thing which is forced.

 

[Justcrazy]

it is not about liking/disliking. The personal prejudice will always be there in each people's mind.

But it's about uniformity here. If you could cite any instance in this ruling where it treats other religion differently, then yes, the personal prejudice will come in to play.

But I don't see a discrimination here. On the other hand, discrimination exists in your case where subtly implying that Muslims should be treated differently than other religions in the college.

No , if you want to wear dhoti , Janeu they can , who is stopping them? A sikh can wear turban , a hindu lady can apply vermillion and mangalsutra if married.

No Muslim will say this makes them backward.

Well the truth is that you have issue with Islam itself , speak up inside of hiding behind allegations , be honest and direct here. I have seen several hindus crying when animals are sacrificed on EID , but they themselves munching mutton and chicken , they have issue with animals only one day of the year.

 

[Itachi]

No , if you want to wear dhoti , Janeu they can , who is stopping them? A sikh can wear turban , a hindu lady can apply vermillion and mangalsutra if married.

No Muslim will say this makes them backward.

Well the truth is that you have issue with Islam itself , speak up inside of hiding behind allegations , be honest and direct here. I have seen several hindus crying when animals are sacrificed on EID , but they themselves munching mutton and chicken , they have issue with animals only one day of the year.

The concerned authority themselves clearly stated that none of those will be allowed. They have a uniform code and they want students to follow it regardless of religion.

 

[Itachi]

So , a modest dress code takes people backwards ? Does it prevent people from normal day to day life , what is the thing a woman with Hijab cannot do in day to day life that others in society cannot do? Hijab covers hair , not her brains .

I didn't said it is backward. I said it didn't fall in the uniform code.

 

[Justcrazy]

I didn't said it is backward. I said it didn't fall in the uniform code.

So you mean that everyone should have same dress code?

 

[CricketCartoons]

So you mean that everyone should have same dress code?

Hijab is fine. As a RSS member, I support Hijab. My problem with the denial of my religious symbols in school and offices. Many hindus are fine with being slapped if a muslim also gets slapped equally. I want rights for hindus, and ok with rights of muslims as long as it does not encroach upon my religion.

 

[Itachi]

So you mean that everyone should have same dress code?

Yes. That's why it is called "Uniform" in a school/college.

What people do in their personal space is their concern.

 

[Statpadder Inc]

Families can force many things , I have seen that even children are forced to study certain subjects , but does that mean we will ban every thing which is forced.

Brother I said I don't want a ban on the Hijab

 

[Justcrazy]

Yes. That's why it is called "Uniform" in a school/college.

What people do in their personal space is their concern.

If no exception is made for anyone including sikhs , then it is uniform , lets see When it will be implemented.

 

[Justcrazy]

Hijab is fine. As a RSS member, I support Hijab. My problem with the denial of my religious symbols in school and offices. Many hindus are fine with being slapped if a muslim also gets slapped equally. I want rights for hindus, and ok with rights of muslims as long as it does not encroach upon my religion.

I do not think you should be asking me this question because I above supported hindus also wearing whatever religious things they want to , If a hindu wears janeu I do not see any issue with that. It does not affect other students or that Hindu student himself. Its a part of his religion which he has right to practice. If a married Hindu woman wants to wear mangalsutra , she should be allowed to .

 

[CricketCartoons]

I do not think you should be asking me this question because I above supported hindus also wearing whatever religious things they want to , If a hindu wears janeu I do not see any issue with that. It does not affect other students or that Hindu student himself. Its a part of his religion which he has right to practice. If a married Hindu woman wants to wear mangalsutra , she should be allowed to .

Which question did I ask you?

 

[Justcrazy]

Which question did I ask you?

By question I mean the statement directed to me. Off course Hindu people should have right to practice own religion the way they want in India.

 

[CricketCartoons]

By question I mean the statement directed to me. Off course Hindu people should have right to practice own religion the way they want in India.

By question you mean a statement. Ok.

 

[globetrotter]

Its a religious injunction , if you are proclaiming equality rights for women , then why a woman who wants to follow her religion is burning you ? Choice of dress code is a personal thing , you never object to saree or skirt etc. Just because head is covered , you have issue with that ?

In India wearing hijab at public places, schools and collages is biggest security concern…. Anti-elements and terrorists will take undue advantage of it. Therefor hijab ban is appropriate.

 

[Justcrazy]

By question you mean a statement. Ok.

I wrote it fast , it was late night.

 

[Justcrazy]

In India wearing hijab at public places, schools and collages is biggest security concern…. Anti-elements and terrorists will take undue advantage of it. Therefor hijab ban is appropriate.

I think you are confused between Hijab and niqab , kindly research the terms .