Congress MLAs in Karnataka wear black band in House in protest against hijab row

Bengaluru: Congress legislators in Karnataka wore black band on Monday during the Governor's address to the joint sitting of the State Legislature in protest against the hijab row, accusing the BJP Government's role in it, and the rejection of social reformer Narayana Guru's tableau during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

The principal opposition party in the state assembly also demanded immediate action against Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj K S Eshwarappa for his recent statement claiming that 'Bhagwa dhwaj' (saffron flag), may become the national flag some time in the future.

"We are protesting by wearing a black



band because the hijab issue is their (BJP government) creation, they are the one's who sent students (to colleges) with saffron shawls.

We are not saying it, they have admitted it, Eshwarappa (minister) has admitted," Leader of Opposition in the assembly Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to reporters here, the former chief minister said the black band is also in protest against the  rejection of Narayana Guru's tableau during the Republic Day parade.

Also, demanding action and a criminal case against Eshwarappa for his statement that the saffron flag may fly at the Red Fort.