Student police cadets wearing hijab will affect secularism: Kerala govt
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 27: The Kerala government has dismissed a plea by a Muslim girl student seeking permission to wear hijab (head scarf) and full sleeve dress in the Student Police Cadet project as per her religious obligation, saying such a waiver in the state police's programme will significantly affect secularism in the state.
The Student Police Cadet (SPC) Project is a school-based youth development initiative that trains high school students to evolve as future leaders of a democratic society by inculcating within them respect for the law, discipline, civic sense, empathy for vulnerable sections of society and resistance to social evils.
In its order, the State Home Department said the government, after careful examination of her representation "is fully satisfied that the demand of the complainant is not considerable." "Also, if such a waiver is considered in the Student Police Cadet project, similar demands will be made on other similar forces, which will significantly affect the secularism of the state.
Therefore, it is not appropriate to give any indication such that the religious symbols are highlighted in the uniform under the Student Police Cadet project", it said.
The girl filed the petition with the state government after the Kerala High Court rejected her plea seeking to be attired in full-sleeves and headscarf (hijab) for Student Police uniform.
The Court, however, had directed that she was free to submit a representation before the government narrating her grievance raised in the writ petition.
She submitted the representation before the state government in compliance with the judgment of the high court.
The student had moved the court after the faculty of the Student Police Cadets informed her that wearing head scarf and full sleeve dress according to Islamic beliefs would not be allowed.
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No one can stop DK Shivakumar from becoming CM: Cong leader Veerappa Moily
Udupi (Karnataka), Mar 2 (PTI): Veteran Congress leader Veerappa Moily on Sunday stated that no one can prevent Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar from becoming the CM of the state, as it is a "settled matter".
The former chief minister also asserted that it is only a matter of time before Shivakumar assumes the CM's post, as it is something bound to happen.
"I was the one who ensured that Shivakumar got his first ticket to contest as an MLA. Today, he has emerged as a successful leader in Karnataka. Let's all wish for him to become the chief minister at the earliest," Moily said.
Addressing a Congress event at Karkala, he noted that despite being the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, Shivakumar has worked tirelessly, even in challenging times for the party at the national level, and has contributed to the party's rise to power in other states as well.
Praising Shivakumar's leadership and organisational efforts, the former union minister addressed him—who was seated on the dais—saying, "Several statements may come and go, but no one can stop you from becoming the chief minister."
"There is no need to worry about this. If someone criticises it, they may do so for their satisfaction, but no one can prevent Shivakumar from becoming CM. The post is not a gift granted by someone; it is something he has earned for himself," Moily added.
Political circles in the state, especially within the ruling Congress party, have been rife with speculation about a leadership change later this year, reportedly under a "rotational Chief Minister" or "power-sharing" agreement.
Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress President, has been a strong aspirant for the Chief Ministerial position and has been vocal about his ambition to take on the role.
Moily reiterated that Shivakumar becoming CM is "100 per cent certain" and advised him not to react to the ongoing discussions.
"It is a settled matter. It has already been decided—by the people, by history. No one can stop it; it is just a matter of time," he said.
"There is no need for anyone, including his supporters, to claim credit for making him the CM. Despite countless efforts, no one will be able to prevent this from happening. Shivakumar becoming CM is inevitable," he added.
Following the Karnataka Assembly election results in May 2023, there was intense competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's post.The
Congress leadership eventually convinced Shivakumar to accept the role of Deputy Chief Minister.
At the time, reports suggested that a compromise had been reached under a "rotational Chief Minister" formula, under which Shivakumar would take over as CM after two and a half years. However, the party has never officially confirmed this arrangement.
Earlier in the day, Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga stated that Shivakumar would become the Chief Minister by December.
These remarks come amid assertions from several ministers and leaders considered close to Siddaramaiah, who have ruled out any leadership change and insisted that the incumbent CM will serve a full five-year term.
These statements also defy Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent warning, urging party members to "shut up" and focus on governance instead of making public remarks about the leadership transition.
