Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane stirred controversy by demanding a ban on burqas for students appearing in Class 10 and 12 state board examinations. In a letter to Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Rane claimed that allowing burqa-clad students into examination halls could lead to cheating and malpractice.
“Our government will not tolerate appeasement politics. The same rules should apply to all students. If anyone wants to wear a burqa, they can do so at home, but not in examination halls,” Rane stated. He further remarked that students should write exams “like others” and alleged past incidents of cheating involving burqa-clad students.
His remarks have drawn strong criticism from Muslim scholars and opposition leaders, who argue that such a ban violates religious freedom. Many have pointed out that burqa-wearing students are already subject to identity verification before entering examination halls, and that this move unfairly targets Muslim girls under the guise of ensuring fairness.
Rane escalated the controversy further by stating that those who want to wear a burqa during exams “should go to Pakistan”, a comment seen as divisive and inflammatory. Critics have condemned his remarks as an attack on constitutional rights and an attempt to marginalise Muslim students.
With exams approaching, this politically charged demand has raised concerns among Muslim students and their families. Many believe it is yet another attempt to stigmatise their religious identity in the name of uniformity.
