'Orchestrated, Distressing Situation': Rajeev Chandrasekhar On Hijab Row At Kerala School

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 14:29 IST

Rajeev Chandrasekhar condemned the hijab controversy at a Kerala school, calling it “a very distressing situation” and alleging political orchestration.

A file photo of Rajeev Chandrasekhar (PTI)

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday condemned the hijab controversy at a private school in Palluruthy, calling it “a very distressing situation" and alleging political manipulation.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Chandrasekhar said, “The politics of Kerala is reaching a level where on one hand, the Congress party talks about the Constitution and then gets in coalition with Jamaat-e-Islami, which often questions the Constitution."

“It is an obvious surrender of the party in front of such forces. We have already seen this in Karnataka. There is a very tortured type of politics being played in Kerala. The Hindu community we have seen is facing the brunt," he said.

Speaking further on the Hijab controversy, Chandrasekhar said, “This is 100 per cent orchestrated. This is testing the political culture and societal makeup of Kerala. This is political posturing and backed by Congress and forced embedded."

A controversy erupted at a private school run by a Christian management in Kochi’s Palluruthy, following an escalation of a dispute with the parents of an eighth-standard student over her wearing a hijab.

On Monday, the school declared a two-day holiday, as an official alleged that the parents were backed by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a pro-Islamist political outfit, and that its members misbehaved with the school authorities, who are mostly nuns.

The issue came to light after a letter issued by Sister Heleena RC, Principal of St Rita’s Public School, announcing holidays on Monday and Tuesday, surfaced on social media.

In the letter, the principal mentioned that due to pressure from a student who came without the prescribed uniform, her parents, certain individuals not associated with the school, a few students and staff members sought leave, citing mental stress.

As a result, the decision to declare holidays on October 13 and 14 was taken after consulting the executive members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the letter mentioned.

Later, PTA member Joshi Kaithavalappil told news agency PTI that the school has followed a uniform dress code for the past 30 years and that students from all communities have adhered to it.

According to the school principal, on October 10, the student came wearing the same garment. She was then taken to the conference room in the presence of a teacher, and her parents were called.

“The parent, accompanied by around six persons, reached the school and created a scene here. They recorded videos during school hours while other students were watching," PTI quoted the principal as saying.

In response, the school management approached the Kerala High Court on Monday, seeking police security, which the court granted.

ALSO READ | Owaisi Slams Action Against ‘I Love Muhammad’ Poster During Procession

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

News india 'Orchestrated, Distressing Situation': Rajeev Chandrasekhar On Hijab Row At Kerala School

Read More