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Karnataka’s hijab controversy is set to escalate as Sri Rama Sene plans to distribute saffron shawls in schools and colleges from June 1, opposing the state’s decision to permit hijab and other religious symbols while disallowing saffron shawls. The outfit alleges bias in uniform rules, criticises policy changes, and warns of protests and communal tension ahead of reopening of institutions.

Davanagere: The hijab versus saffron shawl controversy is likely to intensify in Karnataka, with the Sri Rama Sene on Thursday announcing its plan to distribute saffron shawls to students in schools and colleges from June 1 in protest against the state government’s decision to lift restrictions on hijab and also allow limited religious symbols like turban, kada, tilak, holy ash and kalawa in educational institutions while ruling out the use of saffron shawls.

Addressing reporters in Davanagere, Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik strongly opposed allowing hijabs and religious symbols like turban, kada, tilak, holy ash and kalawa in schools and colleges and accused the Congress government of reversing the BJP government’s earlier notification on the issue.

“The BJP government’s 2022 notification has been withdrawn and the Congress government has issued a new notification allowing hijabs in schools and colleges,” he alleged.

Muthalik said uniforms were introduced decades ago to ensure equality among students and avoid discrimination.