Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa on Friday, 22 May accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misleading students through its support for a saffron shawl campaign in schools, even as the state government has permitted hijabs and other religious symbols — including turban, kada, tilak, holy ash, holy cross, and kalawa — in educational institutions across Karnataka.

Where Bangarappa Made the Remarks

The minister made these statements after inspecting the event venue at Freedom Park in Shivamogga, alongside officials and political leaders. The site is being prepared for the launch of the Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) initiative, scheduled for 1 June. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is slated to inaugurate the programme, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other ministers also expected to attend.

BJP Accused of Communal Politics Over Education

Bangarappa launched a sharp political attack on the BJP, calling its stance on the saffron shawl issue politically motivated. He said the Opposition was ignoring substantive problems facing students and instead stoking communal sentiment — what he termed 'irresponsible politics.' The minister asserted that the government's priority remains quality education and the protection of students from all communities.

NEET Paper Leak and Central Accountability

Bangarappa also raised the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak controversy, claiming that around 25 lakh students were affected and that five student deaths were linked to the issue. He questioned the accountability of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and criticised his handling of the crisis. These are serious allegations that the minister attributed to the broader failure of central oversight in education.

KPS Launch: Scale and Scope

On the Karnataka Public Schools initiative, Bangarappa said 19 KPS schools are being launched in Shivamogga district alone, at an estimated cost of approximately ₹3.5 crore per school. All KPS schools across the state are to be launched between June and July. Around 1,000 school foundation stone-laying ceremonies will also be held as part of the initiative.

The minister cited improved academic outcomes, claiming the department achieved a 66 per cent pass result this year, up from 62 per cent previously. He also announced plans for schools specifically designed for children suffering from cancer, incorporating medical consultation into the programme design. Additionally, he noted that Cabinet discussions have taken place on voter registration awareness under the SIR initiative.

Around 900 students who scored above 600 marks will be honoured on stage at the 1 June event, which will include a lunch interaction between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and students. The KPS model, Bangarappa said, is aimed at becoming a national benchmark for public school education.