Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 5: Former chief minister and leader of the opposition in the assembly, Siddaramaiah, and Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, are engaged in a mud-slinging match relating to Hijab controversy. They have taken to social media to express their opinions and assert their stands.

The state is witnessing a fierce Hijab vs saffron shawl standoff. Bhat reacted to Siddaramaiah's post that wanted to know the authority based on which Raghupati Bhat has demanded to make wearing of uniforms compulsory. "I have been elected by our people. I did not get rejected like you from the people of my own constituency and depended on another constituency to get elected. The constitution has given me the right to become the voice of the people when there is some problem in my constituency and I do not need to learn this from you," he said.

Bhat also accused Siddaramaiah of backing the students swearing the Hijab by claiming that it is a fundamental right. "How come Siddaramaiah, who claims himself to be a lawyer, has not read the rules framed by the education department? I am committed to my statement about wearing uniforms. I have simply said what the rules of the department say. Badami MLA Siddaramaiah, has to conform to the dignity of the post he occupies when speaking. This is not an office of Congress party to behave as per one's whims and fancies. At the same time, I am not Rahul Gandhi to give a nod to whatever happens. Our stand is that the students who are prepared to follow the rules can attend the educational institutions. Otherwise, they are free to stay back home. This is our clear stand," Bhat said through a Facebook post.

Bhat also shared a copy of Karnataka Educational Institutions Rules 1995 in his social media account.