Saffron flag why not tricolour? poster for 'Bharat Mata pooja' at Mangalore University triggers row

Mangalore: A poster of Bharat Mata holding up a saffron flag with a map of "Akhand Bharat" in the background in saffron colour kicked up a row at Mangalore University on Thursday.

The student union of Mangalore University reportedly circulated the poster which announced a pooja for "Bharat Mata" at the university on August 11 to ignite the spirit of nationalism, according to The News Minute.

Outfits including Campus Front of India (CFI) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) came out questioning the poster saying why Bharat Mata holding up a saffron flag not the Indian tricolour if the event is meant for celebrating India's 75th Independence Day.

Riyaz Kadambu, SDPI Karnataka State Media in-charge, asked how poojas are allowed on college campuses where hijabs are not allowed.

Citing the Karnataka High Court's judgment in the hijab case he told TNM the court upheld the government's order that banned all religious symbols including hijabs and saffron shawls in classrooms and campuses.

The News Minutes quoted Tajuddin, Dakshina Kannada President of the CFI saying Mangalore University is organising a pooja in the name of Bharat Mata as per the Hindu culture.

Tajuddin sought action against those organizing religious programmes in a government college to celebrate Mother India with a saffron flag.

Are colleges places of worship? Hoist the tricolour flag in the name of Har Ghar Tiranga but why celebrate Bharat Mata's glory by offering poojas?" he was quoted as saying.

The president of Mangalore University's student union, Dheeraj Sapaliga said that Bharat Mata Pooja has been organised in the college since 2014.

He added that The Principal of the University permitted the pooja between 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm on August 11.