Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16 (NationPress) Despite the resolution of the hijab dispute at a private school in Palluruthy, near Kochi, Kerala's Education Minister V. Sivankutty has publicly criticized the school management, labeling it an “organized effort” to politicize the issue and shift blame onto the government.

The incident ignited controversy when an eighth-grade student was reportedly denied entry to her classroom for wearing a hijab, which was against the school's regulations.

Initially, the girl's father consented to comply with the school's rules; however, the situation escalated due to alleged external influence.

The school was closed for two days, during which the matter was amicably settled. Nevertheless, after Sivankutty's post on Facebook requesting a report on the issue, tensions mounted.

While the school management stood firm, supported by a 2018 Kerala High Court ruling that grants them authority to establish their own rules, Palluruthy School chose to seek recourse from the High Court.

Following discussions on Wednesday, the issue was resolved with the girl's father agreeing to adhere to the established rules.

However, Sivankutty expressed his displeasure at the school authorities' decision to pursue legal action.

On Wednesday, he stated that since the matter had been resolved amicably, government intervention was no longer necessary.

In response to extensive criticism regarding his social media comments, the minister asserted that the school management was attempting to “deliberately escalate” the issue for political gain.

“There is a clear and calculated attempt to shift the blame onto the government. The management is politicizing a sensitive issue,” he warned, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate any attempts to undermine its authority in educational matters and fundamental rights.

Sivankutty specifically criticized the principal, the PTA president, and the school's legal advisor.

Meanwhile, the student did not attend class on Thursday.