Bengaluru, May 23 -- Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of reviving the hijab issue to divert attention from the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru after visiting noted writer Devanuru Mahadeva, the minister strongly defended the state government's stand on allowing hijab in schools and criticised BJP leaders for targeting the issue politically.

"BJP is bringing the hijab issue to the forefront to escape from the NEET controversy. The same uniform rules followed in Kendriya Vidyalayas are being followed in our schools as well. Let them first distribute saffron shawls in Kendriya Vidyalayas and then come to us," he said.

Madhu Bangarappa said there should not be s...