Amid escalating row over hijab in India’s southern state of Karnataka, BJP leader Pragya Thakur said on Wednesday that hijab should not be worn in educational institutions other than madrassas.

“You have madrassas. We have nothing to do if you wear hijab or apply khijab (hair colour) there (in madrassas). You wear the attire required there and follow their discipline. But if you distort the knowledge and discipline of schools and colleges in the country and start wearing hijab and applying khijab then it will not be tolerated," she said while speaking at a function in a temple in Barkheda Pathani area in Bhopal.

She also added that, “No need to wear hijab anywhere. People who are not safe in their houses wear hijab. You have a madrasa. If you wear hijab there we have nothing to do... outside, where there is 'Hindu samaj', they are not required, reported Indian news outlet NDTV.

“Hijab is purdah. Purdah should be against those who see you with evil eyes. But it is certain Hindus don't see them with evil eyes as they worship women," she said.

"You should wear hijabs in your homes..."

Thakur is one of the most controversial figures of India’s BJP. She’s out on bail as a key accused in the Malegaon blasts terror case of 2008 which claimed the lives of 10 Indian people and injured 80.

Controversy over hijab broke in Karnataka in December after Muslim students were banned from wearing hijab in classrooms. When six students in Udupi district challenged the restrictions, protests spilled all over the neighbouring districts like wildfire.

Right-wing Hindu students took to streets in saffron scarves supporting the ban and heckling young girls at educational institutions. The Karnataka government had closed schools and colleges last week, which upon re-opening this week witnessed disturbing scenes of students and teachers being harassed and forced to remove the hijab.