Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Feb 6: The Hijab versus saffron shawl row that has sparked widespread antagonism in educational institutions refuses to die down, with political leaders of various parties continuing to give for and against statements on the issue.

Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said, "Every action has equal and opposite reaction. Neither saffron shawl nor Hijab should be allowed in educational institutions. Only school uniforms should be allowed. This is our stand.

"External forces are hatching plot to break society through educational institutions. The government vehemently opposes such attempts. It is everyone's duty to follow the rules of school. The work of breaking the society through religious blindness is not right. Action should be taken against people who create such religious based chaos in schools."

MLA Kaneez Fathima said, "Hijab is the culture of Muslim women. It is our right. I have worn Hijab in assembly sessions also. In future also I will wear Hijab for assembly session. If they have guts let them stop me."

Former chief minister and senior leader of JD(S) H D Kumaraswamy said, "The slogan of ‘Beti Bachavo, Beti Padhao’ is turning into ‘Beti Hatao’. The union government implemented Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign for uplifting girls and women. However, Karnataka government is trying to impose Beti Hatao by creating unnecessary issue out of Hijab. Students and their parents are struggling as classes are not held properly due to Covid. Now this Hijab issue has been created. This was not necessary.”

Former union minister C M Ibrahim said, "The state BJP government is in the forefront of creating controversies. The silence of union government in Hijab row is not right. Officials should follow the rules laid down in the constitution and by the government. Why are students going to college? Is it to see the faces of girls or to study?"

KPCC working president Ramalinga Reddy said that the state BJP government has created Hijab controversy in order to cover up the resentment that arose because of the denial of Sri Narayana Guru tableau that was sent to be displayed at Republic Day parade in Delhi.

"Go to Pakistan if you want to wear Hijab"

BJP MLA Basanagowda Patil Yatnal said, "Supporting wearing of Hijab in schools is equal to treachery. Those who want to wear Hijab in schools should go to Pakistan. If they live in India, they should be faithful to our Constitution. Terrorists are involved in Hijab issue.

"Today they are asking for Hijab. Tomorrow they will demand Mosque at schools. This is Hindu nation. Pooja of Ganapati and wearing of vermillion on forehead by girls is allowed here. No one will question these things. Those who question should go to Pakistan. People who support wearing of Hijab in schools are anti-nationals. There is an attempt to disturb peace in the state through this issue. We will not give opportunity to Taliban culture. We will not allow anyone to convert Karnataka into Taliban. Terrorist organization is behind the Hijab controversy.

“Can Siddaramaiah and the Congress party, who support wearing of Hijab, can be called as Hindus? Have they got converted to Islam? Siddaramaiah, who appeases Muslims, feels that speaking about secularism is like conversion.

“There are 15% Muslims in our country. If it becomes 50%, is it possible for Hindus to survive? Hindus should understand. When this country got divided, Pakistan was formed on the basis of religion. If you do not want this culture, better go to Pakistan.”

Opposing the statement of Basanagowda Patil Yatnal, KPCC president D K Shivakumar said, “CM Basavaraj Bommai, who has taken oath in the name of constitution, should answer the statement of BJP MLA Basanagowda Patil Yatnal who has asked people who wear Hijab to go to Pakistan.”

MP Pratap Simha said, “If you want to study wearing Hijab and Topi then you should go to Madarasa. There is no opportunity for it in government educational institutions. This is not British India. This is Bharata Khanda, which is built on the foundation of Hinduism.”

Revenue minister R Ashok said, “Congress is behind the Hijab controversy. Our land is Hindustan and not Pakistan. Congress party should verify carefully before giving statement on sensitive issue like Hijab. Even wearing saffron shawls in schools is wrong. The only satisfactory point is that KPCC president D K Shivakumar has condemned this act.”