The ruling BJP government in Karnataka took a U-turn on Thursday by rejecting reports that the government has given consent to the Waqf Board to open new colleges exclusively for Muslim girls.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai clarified that no such discussions have taken place at any level of his administration.
Bommai told media, “…I don’t know, it might be his (Waqf chairman) personal view. It has not been discussed in any quarters of our government and it is not the stand of my government. If anything is there, let the Waqf Chairman come and speak to me.”
Shaafi Saadi, Chairman of Karnataka Wakf board said on Thursday said discussions have taken place at the Waqf Board level and the matter has not reached the government yet. “The proposal is still getting ready and will be sent to the government in the days to come.”
“I never stated that exclusive colleges for Muslim women would be opened. I spoke about opening colleges for women. I had stated that our board has Rs 25 crore fund. We will grant Rs 2.5 crore for each college and they will be started in 10 districts and this matter has been discussed with the minister,” he clarified.
“My full statement is not being published by the media. My statement has been twisted. Wakf board is running 112 education institutions as per the norms of the government,” he added.
Earlier, the development had created furore in the state with Hindu outfits warning widespread protests over the state government’s decision to build new colleges for Muslim women.
Hindu Jana Jagruthi Samithi leader Mohan Gowda warned that if colleges for Muslim girls are coming up exclusively, then, Hindu colleges, varsities should also be built.
Sri Rama Sena founder Pramod Muthalik had also challenged the ruling BJP that building of exclusive colleges for Muslim girls would not be allowed in Karnataka and state-wide protests would be launched.
