Media Release

Udupi, May 13: Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna has strongly criticised the Karnataka government’s reported move to withdraw the hijab ban order in schools and colleges, alleging that the Congress-led state government is attempting to ‘Islamise’ the education system.

In a statement, Suvarna said the government led by chief minister Siddaramaiah was acting against the spirit of school uniforms, which are meant to eliminate differences based on caste, religion, economic status and social background among students.

He alleged that allowing hijabs in educational institutions would create confusion within the state’s education system and reopen communal tensions that had earlier disrupted academic activities.

Referring to the 2021 hijab controversy that began at the Government Girls’ Pre-University College in Udupi, Suvarna said six students had ‘deliberately created controversy’ by demanding permission to wear hijabs inside classrooms. He claimed the issue later spread across Karnataka and the country, affecting both the education system and law and order.

The MLA further alleged that certain ‘communal and banned organisations’ had attempted to disturb peace and harmony by using the hijab issue. He said the people of the state had not forgotten the unrest caused during that period.

Accusing the Congress government of ‘minority appeasement,’ Suvarna said the state was moving to revoke the hijab ban solely for political reasons. He also criticised the government for allegedly allowing hijabs while not permitting saffron shawls in educational institutions, calling it an ‘anti-Hindu stance.’

Suvarna pointed out that the Karnataka High Court had earlier ruled that wearing the hijab was not an essential religious practice in Islam. He urged the state government to immediately withdraw its decision and warned against ‘playing with the future of students’ for political purposes.