New Delhi: Austria's law banning face veils such as burkhas or niqabs comes into effect from Sunday. The government said, acceptance and respect of Austrian values are basic conditions for successful cohabitation between the majority Austrian population and people from third countries living in Austria. 
It also said, exemptions under certain conditions include items like clown disguises at cultural events, work wear such as medical masks, and scarves in cold weather. There are around 7 lakh Muslims in Austria, which has a population of about eight million.

Meanwhile, the number two figure in Austria's ruling Social Democrats was forced to resign, just two weeks ahead of parliamentary elections, over a smear campaign. 
The resignation of Georg Niedermuehlbichler, the party's chairman and election campaign manager, is more bad news for Prime Minister Christian Kern with the Social Democrats already trailing in the polls to Sebastian Kurz's People's Party conservatives ahead of the 15th of this month's vote.