Another political earthquake jolted Karnataka on Friday after senior BJP leaders of the state backed a proposal suggesting that students should respond with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ during attendance calls in schools instead of the conventional ‘Yes sir’, or ‘Yes ma’am.’

The remarks came amid renewed debate over the hijab issue in educational institutions and have triggered sharp reactions from the Congress, which accused the BJP of attempting to communalise schools and colleges ahead of the new academic session.

BJP leader Reddy hails proposal

The latest controversy erupted after former MLA of the BJP, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal proposed that students should say ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while responding to attendance in classrooms. BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy backed the suggestion, saying he fully supported the idea. 

He also accused the ruling Congress of engaging in minority appeasement politics. Reddy said, “Though he is not with the BJP, Patil said something big. In school, during attendance, students should reply with Jai Shri Ram instead of Yes sir or ma’am. I support this 100%.” 

He added that students should be free to wear saffron turbans and saffron shawls, describing it as part of Indian cultural and religious identity. “Even today, if I visit any school or college, I openly speak about this issue. Let people wear saffron shawls and saffron turbans. It is our dharma as Indians,” he asserted. 

Congress labels BJP remarks as ‘Communal’

Congress party leader, Lavanya Ballal immediately responded to the BJP’s remarks, accusing the party’s leaders of trying to politicise educational spaces. She said, “Schools are meant for educational, not political or religious demonstrations.” She also launched a verbal attack on both BJP leaders, alleging that they were trying to court controversy rather than focusing on real educational issues. 

“Yatnal has made several controversial and inflammatory remarks in the past, while Janardhan Reddy has faced allegations related to illegal mining and looting the state. Who are they to dictate what students should wear or what slogans should they chant?,” she questioned. She went on to say that students are free to chant religious slogans of their own will, but schools should not turn into battlegrounds for ideological or communal politics. 

Hijab debate returns ahead of new academic year

The remarks come as schools and colleges across Karnataka are slated to reopen in June 2026, reviving memories of the state’s massive Hijab controversy that erupted first in 2022. The issue began in Udupi after Muslim students protested restrictions on wearing hijabs inside classrooms. The agitations spiralled out of control after some students wore saffron shawls in response. 

Notably, during the BJP’s tenure in Karnataka, uniforms had been mandated in educational institutions, and the Karnataka High Court (HC) upheld restrictions on hijabs in institutions where uniforms were prescribed.