Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah urges Congress to revoke hijab ban in Karnataka

File Photo/PTI

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has called upon Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to take action to lift the ban on hijab (headcover) imposed by the previous BJP-led Karnataka government.

Expressing concern over the government's interference in religious practices, Abdullah criticized the decision, particularly during Congress' tenure. He urged Congress President Sonia Gandhi, along with senior leaders Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, to reconsider and work towards revoking the ban on hijabs in Karnataka, news agency PTI reported.

Abdullah addressed reporters after a party function in Baramulla, emphasizing the need to protect religious freedoms. Meanwhile, he also commented on the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming that the BJP was hesitant to face the people, pointing out the postponement of municipal polls and the looming end of the terms for municipalities in the region.

"It is clear... if the BJP had felt that they would win elections here, they would have held the polls here," he added.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Jawaharlal Nehru's 134th birth anniversary, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress emphasized the importance of breaking down walls of hatred and promoting love and communal harmony as the best tribute to India's first Prime Minister.

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The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) continued its criticism of the BJP, accusing them of failing to conduct assembly elections in the region. Raman Bhalla, the working president of JKPCC, predicted a "bitter defeat" for the BJP in the region, citing their performance in the Kargil council polls.

Bhalla, along with other senior leaders, AICC members, former ministers, legislators, and office bearers, paid floral tributes to Nehru at the party's headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk.

Highlighting Nehru's contribution to secularism and communal harmony, Bhalla stated, "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation of secularism and communal harmony. The growth of India is because of various initiatives launched by Nehru in the agriculture sector, including the green revolution, setting up of IITs, AIIMS and IIMs besides big dams and road projects."

He criticized the BJP for not holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, challenging them to face the electoral process. Bhalla questioned the BJP's reluctance to conduct elections in the region, asking, "if they are so strong." (With inputs from PTI)