The controversy over wearing hijabs or saffron shawls in Karnataka is set to escalate as Hindu groups, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), oppose the state government’s decision to allow religious symbols like turban, kada, tilak, holy ash, Cross, and kalawa in educational institutions while restricting saffron shawls. Concerns are rising as the hijab issue had previously led to law and order disturbances in the state.
In a past incident, the Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri praised a student named Muskan Khan for shouting “Allahu Akbar” in response to harassment in Mandya, Karnataka, adding to the controversy. Despite the government’s ban on saffron shawls in schools, Hindu organizations vow to support students opting to wear them.
While the dispute currently revolves around statements and political responses, tensions are expected to heighten when schools and colleges reopen on June 1 after the summer break. The VHP regional secretary criticized the government’s decision, warning of potential consequences and urging students to protest. Accusing the Congress government of appeasement politics, he claimed the directive was fueling “regional extremism.”
