An incident involving the expulsion of students for wearing Sabarimala Ayyappa garlands at a college in Chikkamagaluru has sparked widespread controversy and outrage. The incident occurred at MES PU College in Chikkamagaluru city when three first-year students, adorned with Ayyappa malas (garlands), were allegedly asked to leave by the college principal.
According to reports, three students arrived at the college on the morning of December 1, 2025, wearing Ayyappa garlands as part of their religious observance for the Sabarimala pilgrimage. However, the principal reportedly objected to them wearing the garlands and instructed them to remove the malas before entering the college premises. When the students refused, they were allegedly sent out of the college.
The principal’s actions quickly drew widespread attention and sparked protests from various Hindu organisations and political groups, including local BJP leaders. The situation escalated when BJP district president Devaraj Shetty and hundreds of activists from Hindu organisations arrived at the college to express their anger.
The activists and leaders voiced their opposition to the college administration’s actions, accusing it of disrespecting students’ religious sentiments. They demanded that students be allowed to continue their education without discrimination based on their religious practices. As tensions rose, Basavanahalli police were called to the scene to restore order.
Following a heated exchange between the protesters and the college authorities, the principal reportedly agreed to allow the students to attend their classes. The decision to let the students back into class came after discussions with the college administration, and the principal stated that the matter would be reviewed further.
In response to the controversy, the principal of MES PU College clarified that the college had merely followed the instructions of the administration and the state government. “We have been told by the administration that students should adhere to the prescribed uniform code, and we informed the students accordingly,” the principal said. “We do not permit any attire other than the college uniform. However, after the incident, we have allowed the students to join their classes for now, and we will discuss this matter with the administration further,” he added.
Members of several prominent Hindu organisations rallied at the college, demanding that such incidents not be repeated. They expressed their frustration at what they called an attempt to undermine religious freedom in educational institutions.
BJP district president Devaraj Shetty, speaking to reporters, condemned the actions of the college authorities, saying, “This is a clear violation of the students’ rights to practice their religion freely. We will not tolerate such discrimination and will continue to stand up for the rights of our youth.”
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