Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 10: MLA K Raghupati Bhat has alleged involvement of money and rigorous training in the raging hijab controversy.

The MLA had a special interview with Daijiworld on the controversial Hijab vs saffron shawl issue that has reached international forums.

In the matter of Hijab controversy which was started in Udupi and spread to other colleges and districts, Bhat asserted that law and order situation in the district is good, but admitted that the district has witnessed an incident that should not have happened. He said that in the past, when disturbances happened in Mangaluru, they had failed to vitiate the harmonious atmosphere of Udupi. He blamed the indiscipline by six girl students for ignoring the advice of Moulavis, leaders of the community, parents, principals and college development council. "If they had listened to the advice, Udupi would not have gone through this situation," he said.

On the issue of Hijab controversy having suddenly been raked up, he agreed that wearing of Hijabs is not wrong as it is in their religion. However, he stated that since long, there are records to prove that Hijabs are not allowed inside the classes, and everyone had agreed to stick to the rule relating to the wearing of uniforms. Because of these girls, the others too got inspired and the issue flared up in Kundapur college, he stated.

Bhat feels that if the girls had remained quiet till the court verdict came, the situation would not have become worse. He said that 12 students were given training to turn them into fanatics and that there was no need to wear Hijabs inside classrooms. He said that the six students were undisciplined and did not score good marks. They also remained absent from their classes often, he said.

Bhat blamed the Congress of trying to reap political benefit by igniting Muslim emotions. If they want to wear Hijabs, they can very well attend institutions of minorities, he advised. He also said that religion is not above law. He agreed that the BJP has faced reverses because of this controversy. He said that when religious sentiments are involved, one community cannot achieve anything on its own if the other side is not ready to maintain harmony.

Watch full interview: