BJP leader Nitesh Rane’s remarks spark political and social debate; Muslim voices term the demand unfair
MUMBAI/NASHIK — A fresh controversy has broken out in Maharashtra after BJP leader and minister Nitesh Rane called for a ban on hijab and burqa in the corporate sector, following a dispute linked to dress code rules at a Mumbai unit of the eyewear company Lenskart.
The remarks have drawn strong reactions, especially from Muslim voices, who say such demands raise serious concerns over religious freedom and equal rights in workplaces.
The issue gained attention after guidelines related to the employees’ dress code at Lenskart went viral on social media. The company faced allegations that it had earlier allowed employees to wear hijab while restricting the use of Hindu religious symbols such as tilak and bindi. This led to protests and calls for a boycott by some groups.
Amid the growing debate, Nitesh Rane on Wednesday said that hijab and burqa should be banned in corporate offices, arguing that a uniform dress code must apply to all.
“We also believe in God. But why should hijab and burqa be allowed in the corporate sector if a tilak is not?” he said while speaking to reporters. “If rules apply to one religion, they must apply equally to others. There should be the same rules for everyone in offices.”
He referred to debates in educational institutions, adding that similar rules should be introduced in workplaces to maintain uniformity.
His statement has been criticised by several Muslim representatives and civil society members, who say such comparisons ignore the importance of religious identity.
A community representative said, “For many Muslim women, hijab is not just a symbol; it is part of their faith. Asking for a ban means asking them to choose between their job and their belief.”
Another voice from the community added, “Equality does not mean removing identity. It means allowing everyone to practise their faith with dignity.”
Meanwhile, Lenskart has issued a clarification, stating that it respects all forms of religious expression. The company said any confusion was due to an outdated internal training document that had already been withdrawn in February 2026.
In a statement, the company said, “If any communication at the workplace has hurt the religious sentiments of our team members, we sincerely apologise. Lenskart is not such a company, and we will never be one.”
Founder and CEO Peyush Bansal also addressed the issue, saying that the viral document did not reflect the current company policy. He confirmed that there is no restriction on respectful religious expression.
“We take responsibility for the confusion,” he said. “We do not restrict any respectful religious practice.”
The controversy comes at a time when debates around religious identity in public and professional spaces continue across India. In recent years, similar discussions have taken place in schools and colleges regarding dress codes.
Legal experts say that workplace policies must balance uniformity with individual rights.
A labour law expert said, “Companies can have dress codes, but they must be reasonable and non-discriminatory. Any policy that affects a particular community more than others can be challenged.”
For many observers, the present issue is not just about one company or one statement, but about a wider question — how workplaces handle diversity in a country with many religions and cultures.
A senior academic said, “India’s strength lies in its diversity. Workplaces should reflect that reality rather than restrict it.”
As the debate continues, Muslim groups have urged political leaders to avoid statements that may create fear or confusion among minorities.
One community member said, “We want to work, grow, and contribute like everyone else. But we also want respect for our identity.”
The situation remains sensitive, with both political and social reactions continuing to develop.
