Balmukund Acharya, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA representing the Hawa Mahal constituency in Rajasthan, is embroiled in a controversy as Muslim students in Jaipur protest against him for questioning the wearing of hijab during a school function. The incident has sparked tensions, with students demanding an apology from the legislator and filing a complaint against him.
This isn’t the first time Balmukund Acharya has found himself in the midst of controversy. Previously, he gained attention for shutting down shops selling non-vegetarian food in his constituency, a move that prompted complaints to the National Human Rights Commission.
In the recent episode, Muslim schoolgirls in Jaipur staged a protest outside the Subhash Chowk police station, expressing their discontent with the BJP MLA. They insisted that Acharya had objected to the wearing of hijab during a school event and demanded both an apology and the filing of an FIR against him.
According to the protesting girls, Acharya attended the school’s annual function, where they welcomed him. However, they claimed that he questioned the permissibility of hijabs, asking how the girls could breathe while wearing them. The students emphasized that an apology from the legislator was warranted.
In response to the protest, Balmukund Acharya explained his perspective to reporters. He stated that he inquired about the school’s dress code rules during a conversation with the principal, emphasizing the need for uniformity during events like the Republic Day function or annual festivals.
“I have asked the school principal that when there is a programme on January 26 or an annual festival in a government school, is there a provision for two different dresses? The principal has said no and said that the students do not follow,” Acharya explained. He noted the presence of girls wearing either hijab or burqa during the program, prompting him to question the dress code.
Acharya argued that there appeared to be two different atmospheres at the event and questioned why there were varied dress codes in schools. He clarified that his intention was not to interfere with dress codes in Madrasas, emphasizing the differences in rules between institutions.
Later, in a video released to clarify his position, Acharya reiterated that he questioned the school administration about the dress code during specific events, such as Republic Day or annual functions. He expressed concerns about the prevalence of hijab and burqa during these events and advocated for a uniform dress code in all schools.
Despite the protests and controversy, Acharya insisted that he had a positive interaction with the Muslim girls, discussing Prime Minister Modi’s schemes and their studies. He dismissed the protest as a political move, asserting that it was orchestrated by individuals engaged in politics.
In response to the situation, Congress MLA Rafeek Khan attempted to raise the issue in the Rajasthan Assembly. However, the Speaker did not permit him to speak, and his statement was expunged from the assembly proceedings.
Assistant Police Commissioner Dr. Hemant Jakhar confirmed that the girl students and their families protested outside the police station, demanding an apology from Acharya for his remarks during the school program. A complaint was filed in this regard, indicating the escalation of tensions in the controversy.