Davanagere, May 21: The hijab versus saffron scarf controversy in Karnataka is intensifying once again. Sri Ram Sena announced on Thursday that it will distribute saffron scarves to students in schools and colleges starting June 1.
The organization is opposing the state government’s recent decision to lift the ban on hijabs and allow limited religious symbols such as turbans, bangles, tilak, ash, and kalawa, while prohibiting the saffron scarf.
Speaking to reporters in Davanagere, Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik expressed his opposition to allowing hijabs and other religious symbols in educational institutions. He accused the Congress government of reversing a notification issued by the BJP government in 2022.
Muthalik stated, “About 40 years ago, the Congress government implemented a uniform policy nationwide to prevent discrimination among students. However, by allowing hijabs now, that very principle is being violated.”
He claimed that the new notification permits students to wear religious symbols like the sacred thread and Shivdhara along with hijabs.
“If hijabs are allowed in schools and colleges, then saffron scarves must also be permitted,” he asserted.
Muthalik further alleged that the government has raised the hijab issue again to quell the discontent among the Muslim community observed during the Davanagere by-election. He warned that this could lead to clashes and communal riots.
On the issue of cow slaughter and beef exports, Muthalik mentioned that Sri Ram Sena has written to the Union Home Ministry and the Department of Animal Husbandry, demanding action.
He remarked, “Every year, around ₹50,000 crores worth of beef is exported. It is not right to worship cows on one hand and export beef on the other.”
Muthalik warned that the organization would launch a significant movement against the central government regarding this issue.
It is noteworthy that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is also opposing the state government’s decision. The organization argues that if hijabs, turbans, bangles, tilak, ash, crosses, and kalawa are allowed, then why is there a ban on saffron scarves?
The administration is closely monitoring the situation, as the hijab controversy in 2022 had previously threatened law and order in the state.
At that time, the then-leader of Al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, commented on the Karnataka hijab controversy. He praised Mandya student Muskan Khan, who shouted “Allahu Akbar” when confronted by a crowd.
Zawahiri commended her actions and called on Indian Muslims to stand against alleged persecution.
While the state government has imposed a ban on saffron scarves in educational institutions, Hindu organizations have stated that they will continue to support students wearing saffron.
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