Mayawati Urges Local Resolution of Hijab Row to Avoid Narrow Politics

BSP supremo Mayawati stated on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, that the ongoing hijab row should be resolved at the local level through mutual understanding between school management, the government, and the administration. In a post on X, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister argued that such matters should not be turned into legal disputes in courts, as doing so provides opportunities for people to engage in narrow politics. Mayawati emphasized that the Constitution, framed under Dr B.R. Ambedkar, guarantees equal rights to all religions and communities, and she urged respect for the sanctity of religious beliefs.

These comments follow a recent decision by the Allahabad High Court to dismiss a petition from a minor student at a private school in Prayagraj who sought permission to wear a hijab with the school uniform. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has indicated it will likely challenge the order, with member Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali stating that the hijab is an integral part of Islam.

Additionally, Mayawati called on the Uttar Pradesh government to find a peaceful solution to tensions in the Budaun district regarding the installation of a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The dispute escalated on Tuesday evening into stone pelting, resulting in injuries to seven police personnel and one villager. Reports indicate that more than 10 vehicles were damaged and seven people were detained. The administration stated the statue was being installed on restricted government land and has since moved it to the tehsil complex.