Hijab Issue Resurfaces in Udupi Amidst Sacred Thread Controversy, MLA Weighs In
Udupi: The contentious hijab issue has been reignited in Udupi following the recent controversy surrounding cut-off marks about the Sacred Thread for students appearing for the Common Entrance Test (CET). Alia Asadi, a student prominent in the prior hijab dispute, has publicly criticized the government’s handling of both situations, alleging discriminatory treatment.
Asadi’s concerns were voiced by a tweet, drawing parallels between the reported boycott of the CET exam by a Brahmin student due to Sacred Thread-related issues and the earlier boycott by Muslim girls protesting the hijab ban. She highlighted the swift suspension of an official in the Sacred Thread incident, juxtaposed against the perceived lack of disciplinary action against an officer implicated in closing college gates to students wearing the hijab. Asadi’s statement further suggested preferential treatment towards Brahmin students, citing opportunities like free engineering seats, while alleging a lack of consideration for Muslim girls’ access to examinations.
“Is there any difference between the pain of the Brahmin student who boycotted the exam due to the Sacred Thread cut-off and the pain of Muslim girls who boycotted the exam due to the hijab?” Asadi tweeted. “Why the discrimination? The Sacred Thread cut-off is as essential to the Brahmins as the hijab is to us.”
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna responded to Asadi’s assertions, accusing the Siddaramaiah-led government of appeasing the Muslim community at the expense of the Hindu community. He emphasized the nationwide respect accorded to the “Janivara” (Sacred Thread)-wearing community and warned of robust resistance should the Sacred Thread issue resurface.
“The Siddaramaiah government has been in power for two years but has shown no concern for development; instead, it is focused on appeasing the Muslim community,” stated Suvarna. “The community that wears the Janivara has respect throughout the country, and the government is following a policy that undermines the Hindu community.”
Suvarna further criticized the comparison between the Janivara and the hijab, labelling it a “malicious policy.” He insisted on stringent action against those guilty of disrespecting the Janivara tradition.
The MLA’s comments come in the context of the High Court’s verdict upholding the prohibition of hijabs in educational institutions prescribing school uniforms. Suvarna reiterated that the uniform policy was implemented to prevent discrimination and argued against drawing parallels between the Janivara and the hijab. This renewed debate underscores the persistent sensitivity surrounding religious attire and the principle of equal access to education in the region.