Mysuru, 23 May

Minister for School Education and Literacy Madhu Bangarappa on Saturday defended the Congress government's decision to withdraw the BJP’s 2022 ban on wearing the hijab in classrooms.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Bangarappa said the move was in line with the Congress party's 2023 assembly election manifesto and that the BJP was politicising the issue.

Bangarappa also alleged that the BJP was polarising students based on religion and distracting them from real public issues.

“Let BJPs leaders look at how Kendriya Vidyalaya schools run by the Union government conduct classes. Are BJP governments allowed to wear saffron shawls in classrooms in Kendriya Vidyalaya?”, he asked. BJP leaders have been calling upon Hindu students to wear saffron shawls after the ban on religious symbols was revoked.

He criticised the Union government for its mismanagement in conducting NEET exams this year and the alleged paper leaks that followed, disturbing 24 lakh students across the country.

Bangarappa further responded to BJP leaders for questioning his educational qualification and his command on the Kannada language. He said that he had completed his Pre-University Course (PUC) education, emerged as a successful entrepreneur, promoted Kannada films, provided jobs, and been involved in other social welfare activities.

"Let BJP leaders question the educational qualification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

Further, he added that the State would not implement the National Education Policy (NEP) as it would “saffronise” education in the State.