A fresh confrontation between students wearing saffron shawls and those wearing hijabs has resurfaced in Haveri district, leading to tension on the campus of CJ Bellad Government First Grade College. The incident has revived a sensitive issue that previously sparked statewide debate on uniformity, religious expression, and campus discipline.
Protest begins after students arrive wearing hijabs
According to students present on campus, the situation escalated when eight Muslim girls arrived wearing hijabs, which some Hindu students opposed. A group of boys then entered the college wearing saffron shawls in protest, claiming they had earlier raised concerns with the principal regarding adherence to the dress code.
As both groups gathered—one wearing hijabs and the other saffron shawls—the atmosphere turned tense, forcing college authorities to intervene to prevent further confrontation.
Political reactions deepen concerns
Opposition Deputy Speaker and senior BJP leader Arvind Bellad criticised the Congress government over the Haveri row, alleging that the issue was being “fuelled for vote-bank politics.” Speaking to News18, he claimed that “fundamentalists are encouraging this kind of behaviour,” warning that such tensions could provoke retaliatory actions.
Bellad commented that students wishing to wear the hijab for religious reasons should attend institutions aligned with their preferences, saying:
“If at all they want to wear hijab… let them go to madrasas, let them not come to government schools or colleges.”
He further accused the Congress of attempting to “develop a separate vote bank of minorities,” asserting that the party has historically divided communities.
The state government has not yet issued a formal response to the latest incident, but officials in Haveri are monitoring the situation to prevent escalation.
Background of the hijab controversy in Karnataka
The hijab issue first surfaced prominently in January 2022, when six students at the Government PU College in Udupi were denied entry for wearing the hijab. The standoff grew into a statewide debate, drawing political, religious, and legal scrutiny.
On February 5, 2022, the Karnataka government issued an order under the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, restricting religious attire in educational institutions with a prescribed uniform. The matter subsequently moved through the courts, influencing campus regulations across the state.
The latest incident in Haveri indicates that the debate around uniformity and religious expression continues to evoke strong sentiments among students and political leaders alike.