Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/SP/MS)

Udupi, Feb 11: MLA Raghupati Bhat demanded NIA investigation into the Hijab controversy that originated in the government PU college for girls in the city by six Muslim students.

In a statement given to media on Friday February 11, Bhat said, “Even after the high court gave the order, they have approached the Supreme Court. They have utilized the opportunity of appealing in higher court. This is not done by the students themselves. They are supported by Campus Front of India (CFI). We have given these evidences to the department.

“In the month of October-November, six students have opened Twitter account. They have tweeted the contents of CFI on their accounts. The content is anti-national. They have tweeted that the Muslim community did not get justice in the Babri Masjid issue and they will fight to get that any cost. Innocent girls are brainwashed by blind religious ideology. I have given this information to the home minister and police department. This matter should be handed over to National Investigation Agency (NIA).

“Due to this issue our nation is facing grave threat. Comprehensive investigation needs to be done through NIA. Poor students have approached SC. There is a danger of peace getting disturbed. Congress' stand is also clear in this issue. Youth Congress president has approached the Supreme Court. The Congress has joined hands with CFI.

“People of Owaisi’s political party have come to Udupi. What business they have in Udupi? We also have information that trainers have come from outstation states. Some people have come from Hyderabad and have made rounds of Udupi.

“Muslim leaders of Udupi are in good touch with us. Many meetings are held with district Muslim leaders. Educated Muslims do not want this kind of friction. They are of the opinion that Hindus and Muslims should get united and see that the country marches forward. It is known that there is international conspiracy behind this whole episode. People of Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kerala want to disturb this peaceful district. Thorough investigation needs to be held,” he said.

SDPI hits out at MLA for linking Hijabs to Muslim votebank

SDPI state committee member Ataulla Jokatte hit back at MLA K Raghupati Bhat, for his statement that the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the Congress are engaged in a tussle to corner Muslim votebank.

"This is a baseless allegation. People of all classes vote for us. For example, our candidate, Sarita, has won from Kaup. People from different castes too have become our candidates and they also vote for us. Raghupati Bhat has got frustrated after our party won three seats in Kaup. He is now a terrified man and that is why he is levelling such allegations," he said.

Jokatte further said that the Indian constitution has given religious freedom to the citizens. He stated that therefore the students have the right to wear Hijabs when attending classes. "Girl students have always been attending schools with scarves. Hijab controversy has been stoked by the BJP and the Sangh Parivar with an eye on the coming election, he reasoned.

In his statement, Ataulla Jokatte further felt that no one should wrest one another's religious freedom. No one should interfere with the religious freedom of others. SDPI stands always with justice," he stated, in retaliation to what Bhat had said.