Hizab Row: The tussle continues in more colleges in Karnataka over hijab and saffron scarves, even as the High Court is set to hear a petition filed by Muslim students of Udupi Mahila PU College Is. This controversy was born in December 2021, now politics has increased on this issue.
As protests by Hindu students wearing saffron scarves spread to more institutions demanding a ban on Muslim students wearing hijab, more colleges are closing the gates to “dress-code violators” Huh.
Labeling it “Talibanization” and “Go to Pakistan”, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have attacked students demanding permission to hijab. Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) leaders have come out in support of Muslim students, urging the state government not to violate their fundamental right to education.
Under heavy pressure from protesting students, the Karnataka government on Saturday banned clothing “disturbing equality, integrity and public law and order” in educational institutions.
When and how did the controversy begin?
December 2021: This ‘hijab vs saffron scarf’ controversy is not new to Karnataka, this new wave of communal controversy started in December 2021. Six girl students of Udupi Women’s PU College protested for weeks after the college authorities allegedly refused them to attend classes wearing hijab. After approaching the district commissioner, education department officials, the girls have now filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking relief.
January 3: Hindu students of Government First Grade College in Koppa, Chikmagalur, which also has a uniform and a dress code, staged a protest wearing saffron scarves on Monday. They also demanded that if Muslim girl students are allowed to wear the hijab, then they should also be allowed to wear saffron scarves.
January 6: A similar view was seen in Pompeii College, Mangaluru. According to The Print, Karnataka’s primary and secondary education minister BC Nagesh had said that the state was considering a uniform dress code.
31 January: Udupi Women’s PU College students approached HC seeking interim relief to attend classes wearing hijabs.
The Karnataka government meanwhile asked all government colleges and schools to maintain status quo until a government committee makes a recommendation on the dress code.
February 2: Kundapur Government PU College closed its gates for hijab-wearing students after Hindu students wore saffron scarves. A video of girl students pleading with the principal to attend classes also went viral. At the same time, a similar sight was seen in Sir M Visvesvaraya Government Arts and Commerce College, Bhadravati in Shivamogga district.
February 3: This protest spread to another college in Kundapur. Bhandarkars Arts and Science College asked the college management to stop the entry of students wearing saffron scarves along with hijab.
Protests erupted at Bindoor Government PU College, where more than 300 Hindu students backed by Hindutva organizations wore saffron scarves to the college. Protests were also held at Belagavi Government PU College.
politics on hijab controversy
Leaders of the ruling BJP have strongly opposed the wearing of hijab in colleges on behalf of Muslim students and accused the community of trying to ‘Talibanise’ educational institutions.
Karnataka BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel told the media on Saturday, “BJP is in power in the state. There is no place for hijab or such things. The school is a temple of Goddess Saraswati. Study according to the rules made by the school.” It is everyone’s duty to do so. Talibanization will not be allowed.”
Other leaders of the party have also taken a similar stance against the Muslim community.
Former Union minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal told the media on Saturday, “If you ask me, Madrasas should be banned, Urdu schools also. Learn in Kannada, otherwise go to Pakistan. What’s your job here? You wear hijab.” If you want Urdu and all Islamic practices, then go to Pakistan.”
Opposition Congress and JD(S) have urged the government to ensure access to education to protesting students following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’.
Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly Siddaramaiah told the media on Sunday, “The Constitution has given the right to profess any religion, which means anyone can wear any clothes according to their religion. Students wearing hijab will be allowed to go to school. The main agenda of the Sangh Parivar is to deprive Muslim girls of education in the name of hijab.
Siddaramaiah was the first senior Congress leader to talk about the controversy. Former party president and senior leader Rahul Gandhi also raised the matter through his social media page.
HD Former Chief Minister and JD(S) Legislature Party leader Kumaraswamy told the media on Saturday, “The central government brought the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme, but the BJP government in the state is using the hijab on the pretext of implementing ‘Beti Hatao’. Is.”
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