LUCKNOW: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday appealed for the resolution of the ongoing hijab controversy at the local level, cautioning against its exploitation for “narrow politics.” She invoked the Constitution, framed under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to assert the guarantee of equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religion or community.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mayawati, in a post on social media platform X, stated that every individual has the right to lead a peaceful and content life in accordance with the religious scriptures, customs, and beliefs of their respective faiths. She underscored the importance of respecting the sanctity of religious beliefs and practices across all communities.
Addressing the specific issue of wearing the hijab to educational institutions, Mayawati suggested that instead of amplifying these matters and escalating them into legal battles, they should be addressed through mutual understanding and wisdom at the local level, involving school management, the government, and the administration. This approach, she posited, would prevent any party from engaging in “narrow politics” under the guise of such disputes.
Mayawati reiterated the BSP’s commitment as an “Ambedkarite party” that guarantees respect for all societal segments, ensuring the safety of their lives, property, and religious freedom. She advised individuals to refrain from making comments on sensitive religious matters, including scriptures or beliefs.
The BSP leader’s remarks come in the wake of legal developments, including the dismissal of a petition by a minor student from a private school in Prayagraj by the Allahabad High Court. The student had sought permission to wear a hijab along with the school uniform. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has indicated its intention to challenge this order, with AIMPLB member and cleric Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali asserting that the hijab is an integral part of Islam and that their case would be presented in court.
In a separate but related appeal concerning law and order in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati urged the state government and administration to promptly find a peaceful and appropriate resolution to the ongoing dispute and tension in Budaun district. The tension stemmed from the installation of a statue of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Her appeal followed an incident in Budaun where seven police personnel and a villager sustained injuries during stone-pelting on Tuesday evening. The escalation of the issue related to the Ambedkar statue installation led to the damage of more than 10 vehicles, and seven individuals were detained for questioning. Authorities stated that the statue was being installed on government land designated for restricted use and has since been moved to the tehsil complex.
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