INDIA Hindu nationalists in Karnataka want saffron-colored schools

The choice of Hindutva-linked color for the walls of nearly 8,000 new classrooms is generating controversy. Congress Party: “That they think more about the million children who have not returned to school after the pandemic.” On the other hand, the logo of the G20 that will be held in India next year is very similar to that of the BJP.

Bangalore () – In the Indian state of Karnataka, the local government, led by the BJP, wants to paint the walls of school classrooms saffron, the symbolic color of Hindu nationalists. The issue was raised during the presentation of a project that contemplates the construction of 7,601 new classrooms. In statements to journalists, the Minister of Education BC Nagesh stated that “the new classrooms will be saffron-colored, not because of ideology, but because the architects have suggested it”, although later – in the face of the controversy – he specified that it has not yet been taken a decision on it. For his part, the head of local government Basavaraj Bommai responded to the criticism: “What is wrong with painting the walls of schools in saffron color when this color is found in the national flag?”

The Congress – the main opposition party in Karnataka – strongly attacked the local government for this election: “School infrastructure is lacking throughout the state. Before painting the buildings saffron, the government should build toilets, provide drinking water and facilities that attract children to school. In Karnataka, more than a million children have not re-entered the school system after Covid. Child labor and early marriages are increasing. And the government, instead of making plans, talks about the color of classroom walls.

Meanwhile, the official logo of India’s upcoming G20 presidency, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of the Bali summit, is also generating debate. The colors of saffron and green along with a lotus flower bear a striking resemblance to the election symbol of the ruling Bharatiya Janata party. Congress has complained about this similarity, stating that Modi and the BJP “miss no opportunity to shamelessly promote themselves.” The Hindu nationalist party has responded by accusing the opposition of disrespecting the lotus as India’s national flower.