Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar on Saturday, 16 May called on all political parties to refrain from politicising education-related issues, warning that students' futures must not be sacrificed for partisan gain. Speaking in Udupi, the minister's remarks came amid renewed controversy over the state government's decision to lift the ban on hijab and other religious symbols in educational institutions.

Hebbalkar's Appeal on the Hijab Controversy

'There should be no interference in education. Students are innocent. Parents send their children to schools and colleges to build their careers, and no political party should indulge in politics at the cost of students,' Hebbalkar said.

She added: 'We should not play games with the future of the student community. There should be a conducive atmosphere for students to learn.'

While declining to elaborate at length on the controversy, she stressed that matters concerning the hijab or any religious issue must be handled with care, with students' well-being placed firmly at the centre. 'Whether it is hijab or any issue related to Hindus, while carrying out politics, leaders should be mindful of students, their education, and their future,' she said.

DK Shivakumar 'Future CM' Banners

Asked about banners in Udupi proclaiming Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress president D.K. Shivakumar as the future Chief Minister — banners that also featured images of her son Mrinal Hebbalkar — the minister deflected any controversy. 'The banners are put up out of affection and love by supporters. I am a disciplined soldier of the party, and the matter will be decided by the high command,' she said. She similarly noted that any cabinet reshuffle or expansion would be the party leadership's call. Shivakumar is widely regarded as Hebbalkar's political mentor.

Fuel Prices and Economic Concerns

Turning to the economy, Hebbalkar alleged that Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had cautioned the Central government about an impending economic crisis five months earlier — warnings she claimed went unheeded. 'Rahul Gandhi had warned the Centre about the impending crisis and urged it to take corrective measures. However, no attention was paid to the issue and politics continued,' she alleged.

She also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over repeated public appeals on lifestyle and consumption, referencing his recent call to minimise the use of diesel and petrol and to avoid purchasing gold. 'If Prime Minister Modi asks people to beat plates, people follow it. If he asks people to clap, they clap. Now he is asking people to minimise the use of diesel and petrol. Let us agree with that. But he is also asking people not to buy gold. The question is what measures the government itself has taken to address the crisis,' she said.

Hebbalkar further alleged that the Centre had deliberately held back fuel price hikes during elections in five states, only to raise them immediately after polling concluded. Drawing a comparison with the UPA government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, she claimed crude oil prices were higher during that era yet retail fuel prices were kept comparatively lower. 'The current Central government has been fortunate because crude oil prices have not increased significantly in the last 12 years, yet people are being exploited,' she alleged.

Anganwadi Allegations and Law and Order

On reports of money being collected at government-run Anganwadi centres, Hebbalkar said her department would act swiftly. 'If even ₹1,000 is collected in government-run Anganwadi centres, an inquiry will be conducted, and action will be initiated. All expenses are borne by the government,' she said.

On law and order in the Udupi region, she maintained that conditions had improved relative to the past and said police officers had been given a free hand to act. With the hijab debate showing no signs of cooling, all eyes will be on how the Karnataka government navigates the issue in the weeks ahead.