Rajasthan BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya sparked controversy with his remarks on the hijab during a visit to a government school in Jaipur on Republic Day. Acharya visited the Government Girls Secondary School in Jaipur’s Gangapol locality, as captured in videos that later surfaced.

In one clip, he is seen confronting a school administrator over students wearing the hijab. Another video shows him urging school authorities to prohibit students from wearing the hijab in a school with a diverse mix of Hindu and Muslim children.

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On stage, Acharya led students in chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Saraswati Mata Ki Jai” and questioned why some girls were not participating, “Have you been asked not to?” he asked while walking through the school and leading chants of “Jai Shri Ram.”

Subsequently, Muslim students gathered at the Subhash Chowk police station, demanding that Acharya cease “vitiating the atmosphere in schools” and apologise for his actions. A protesting student questioned the discrimination against the hijab, pointing out the MLA’s saffron robe worn in the Assembly.

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Govt considering hijab ban in schools?

Following the BJP MLA’s remarks, Rajasthan minister Kirodi Lal Meena said he will take up the issue with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, including the possibility of banning the head covering in all government and private schools in the state.

Following the incident, both Muslim and Hindu students submitted separate complaints to the police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Jaipur North) Rashi Dogra confirmed that the complaints had been forwarded to the District Collector, highlighting that both groups alleged restrictions on their religious practices in school.

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In response, Rajasthan Cabinet minister Meena attributed the issue to fanaticism in the Muslim community and Congress’s appeasement politics. He mentioned the need for progressive thinking, education, and adherence to dress code in schools. Meena argued against allowing the hijab, citing bans in other nations and proposed extending the prohibition to private schools.

“If a girl goes to school wearing a hijab, there won’t be discipline in the school, and students will go to the school in any dress. The dress code should be followed. Hijab is banned in many nations, so it cannot be allowed in schools under any circumstances,” Meena said, adding that he would speak to CM about it since “our MLA has raised this issue”, according to The Indian Express.

Balmukund Acharya reacts to protest

Responding to the students’ protest, MLA Balmukund Acharya dismissed the staged protests as “politically motivated”.

“This protest was done by a few people who are doing politics. I spoke with the girls and had a good interaction with them. We spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s schemes and their studies,” the MLA from Hawa Mahal told ANI. Later, the BJP MLA released a video, providing clarification about the events during his school visit.