CFI opposes Karnataka move to let schools celebrate Ganesha festival

It also demanded the resignation of Nagesh for allegedly creating a religious divide among students.

CFI state secretary Sarfaraz told South First, “The minister’s statement endorses religious events of one faith in educational institutions. Such a statement has come at a time when the state is approaching the Assembly election.”

He added, “Banning the hijab in schools and allowing the Ganesh festival clearly indicates hatred for Muslims.”

No to Hijab, yes to Ganesh Chaturthi

The BJP-led Karnataka government in the recent past vehemently opposed the use of hijab by Muslim girls in schools.

This took the shape of big controversy in the state’s coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, where the CFI protested against the government’s decision to ban the hijab.

Nagesh, in an interview in February, categorically said that wearing a hijab was part of a “religious practice” that went against the rules.

On 15 March, the Karnataka High court upheld the restrictions on the hijab imposed by the state government.

Interestingly, the CFI apparently expected discriminatory moves, like the most recent one, from the state government.

Sarfaraz told South First, “It is a tactic of the BJP to hold on to power and keep dividing society along religious lines.”

He also expressed anguish over the Opposition parties and said, “The main Opposition party, the Congress, did not completely resist the communal agenda of the government. It is also the failure of the Opposition party.”

The CFI-organised Girls Rally in, for which the Mangaluru Police denied permission. (Supplied)

The CFI in July organised a “Girls Conference” in Mangaluru’s Town hall as a mark of protest against the hijab ban in educational institutions.

Decision condemned

In response to the education minister’s statement, Karnataka Waqf Board Chairman Maulana Shafi Saadi took a balanced view.

He told reporters, “It is a good development. We have been saying this for many years. Whatever be the school and college, there should be the practice of raising awareness about students’ religious beliefs.”

Saadi said, “If they do this, there will be moral education. In today’s campuses, there is the use of ganja, there is rowdyism, and there is violence. To stop all this, religious education is needed.”

He told reporters “Those who celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi should be allowed to do so. Those who observe the Islamic faith should be allowed to follow their practices. This is what I had said during the hijab controversy as well. The hijab is an Islamic practice. It is for moral development.”

CFI state president Athavulla Punjalkatte took to Twitter to oppose the move.

Edu Minister allowing to enshrine Ganesha in govt schools & colleges is an attempt to create unrest in the edu sector & gain political advantage. Its condemnable. Ironically, this is the same minister who once told “no religious practices are allowed in edu institutions.” Shame!! https://t.co/uyCwUqRcEY

— Athavulla punjalkatte (@Athavulla_cfi) August 17, 2022

Recent controversy in educational institutions

The Infant Mary School in Mangaluru on 11 August sparked a controversy when it asked five students to remove their rakhis and said they were not allowed in the school.

Later, the school administration tendered an apology to the parents of the students.

The same day, the University College of Mangaluru ran into a controversy when its students’ union decided to organise a “Bharat Mata Puja” on the premises.

The event’s poster depicted Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag instead of the Tricolour.

The CFI resisted the decision by taking help from the district administration and putting an end to the event.