LUCKNOW, Aug 26: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday appealed for restraint amid the ongoing hijab controversy, saying disputes involving religious practices should be settled through dialogue rather than being turned into political or prolonged legal battles.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the Constitution, framed under the leadership of Dr B R Ambedkar, guarantees equal rights and dignity to people belonging to every religion and community.
In a post on X, Mayawati stressed the importance of respecting religious beliefs, customs and traditions while maintaining peace and harmony in society.
Referring specifically to the wearing of hijab in schools, she said such issues should preferably be addressed at the local level through mutual understanding among school authorities, government officials and the administration.
She argued that giving excessive importance to such disputes or unnecessarily taking them to courts could create an environment that allows people to pursue what she described as “narrow politics”.
Mayawati maintained that people should exercise caution while commenting on sensitive matters linked to religion, scriptures, customs and beliefs.
She also reiterated the BSP’s commitment to the principles associated with Ambedkar, saying the party stands for respect and security for all sections of society, including their lives, property and religious practices.
Her comments followed the Allahabad High Court’s dismissal of a plea filed by a minor student of a private school in Prayagraj seeking permission to wear a hijab along with the prescribed school uniform.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has indicated that it may challenge the court’s decision. AIMPLB member and cleric Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali said hijab has traditionally been regarded as an integral part of Islam and indicated that the organisation would present its position before the court.
Separately, Mayawati called upon the Uttar Pradesh Government and local administration to urgently resolve a dispute in Budaun over the installation of an Ambedkar statue.
She appealed for a peaceful and appropriate settlement to prevent further tension in the district.
The dispute intensified on Tuesday evening after clashes and stone-pelting reportedly broke out over the statue installation. Seven police personnel and a villager were injured, while several vehicles were damaged.
Authorities said the statue had been installed on government land where construction was restricted. It was subsequently shifted to the tehsil complex.
Seven people were detained for questioning following the incident as the administration worked to contain the situation and restore calm.