New Delhi, Aug 25: Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput on Tuesday said that while religious freedom must be respected, students should also follow the dress-code rules prescribed by educational institutions, reacting to the Allahabad High Court ruling on wearing a hijab with a school uniform.

Rajput stressed the importance of following the dress-code rules laid down by individual educational institutions.

“There is one law across the country, and everyone is allowed to practice religious harmony. However, the school uniform is governed by the rules of the school administration. So, the rules of the school administration should not be violated, so that all students maintain uniformity…” Rajput told media.

Janata Dal (United) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak said courts should take people’s religious, social and educational freedoms into consideration while passing orders.

Rajak said political leaders should not comment on judicial orders but emphasised the need for courts to consider broader issues affecting people.

“Regarding the order passed by the Hon’ble Judge of the Allahabad High Court, we cannot comment on a court order. However, it would be appropriate if such orders are passed while taking into consideration people’s religious, social, and educational freedoms. Today, whether it is the Supreme Court, High Courts, or lower courts, crores of cases are pending everywhere. People come and go, and some even die, but they do not get justice on time. I am not alleging anything against them, but my point is that the Hon’ble courts and judges should consider the people who have been suffering for years and focus on disposing of cases as quickly as possible. Creating a different kind of atmosphere by giving higher priority to only certain issues does not seem right…” Rajak said.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma, reacting to the same ruling, said his party would abide by whatever decision is eventually taken by the Supreme Court. He also questioned why a student should not be allowed to wear a hijab along with the prescribed school uniform if it is worn as part of her faith.

“There are two things. We will abide by whatever the Hon’ble Supreme Court says. But what is the problem with wearing a hijab along with a school uniform? If a person wears a hijab as part of their faith, there should be no problem with it…” Verma said.

The reactions came after the Allahabad High Court, in a significant ruling, clarified that a student does not have a right to alter the dress code prescribed by an educational institution according to personal preferences.

The court dismissed a petition seeking directions to school authorities to allow a student to wear a headscarf in addition to the uniform prescribed by the institution.

The petition was filed by a minor girl studying at a private school in Prayagraj. According to the case details, the student had completed her high school education and was seeking admission to Class 11 in the same institution.

Bhopal, Aug 24: The Madhya Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold its first State Working Committee meeting under State President Hemant Khandelwal in Orchha on August 30 and 31.

The two‑day conclave will focus on preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections, plans to strengthen the organisation, and strategies to connect with youth, particularly Gen‑Z and Gen‑Alpha. Approximately 350 to 400 leaders are expected to attend, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, both Deputy Chief Ministers, Union Ministers from the state, state government ministers, MPs, MLAs and state party office‑bearers.

The meeting will take place at two hotels, with senior leaders scheduled to arrive from August 29 to finalise arrangements. A core group or “toli baithak” will be held on August 25 to finalise preparations and the agenda. Senior office‑bearers, including State Vice‑President Shailendra Barua and others, recently reviewed arrangements in Orchha.

The programme is set to begin with flag‑hoisting, followed by a visit to a major exhibition showcasing welfare schemes and key achievements of the Central and state governments. Cultural programmes will also be organised for delegates in the evenings. Around 400 rooms have been booked across hotels to accommodate participants, with dedicated transport arrangements from Orchha railway station.

The Working Committee will specifically deliberate on expanding the party’s outreach among youth, including Gen‑Z and Gen‑Alpha members. Officials indicated that programmes may be outlined to broaden the party’s base among younger generations and explore innovative ways of communicating with them.

Discussions will also cover cooperatives, municipal elections and other political issues. The government’s performance and the organisation’s activities will be reviewed.

This will be the first formal meeting of the newly constituted State Working Committee, which comprises 106 regular members and 41 special invitees, supplemented by ex‑officio members such as MPs and MLAs. The gathering is seen as a key organisational exercise to set the agenda for the coming years and gear up for Mission 2028. Party sources described the Orchha meet as an important platform to align organisational efforts with electoral goals under Khandelwal’s stewardship.

Srinagar, Aug 24: Migrant Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley under the Prime Minister’s package requested the UT government on Monday for enhanced security and protection in view of “fresh threats from the terrorists”.

In a letter addressed to the J&K Chief Secretary, the PM Package Employees Forum requested enhanced security and protection for them after the threats emerged.

“We wish to draw your urgent attention to a serious security concern regarding the safety of migrant Kashmiri Pandit employees serving under the PM Package in the Kashmir Valley. A fresh threat poster, purportedly issued by a terrorist outfit calling itself the United Liberation Council (ULC) and dated 23 August 2026, has surfaced on social media,” it said, adding the poster “reportedly contains threats directed towards migrant Kashmiri Pandit employees and mentions personal details such as names, addresses and vehicle numbers of certain individuals”.

Noting that the authenticity of the poster is yet to be verified by the police and security agencies, the employees forum, in its letter, said: “However, the repeated circulation of such threat letters and posters, particularly those containing sensitive personal information, is a matter of grave concern. The matter has reportedly been brought to the notice of the concerned Police and security agencies for verification and necessary action.”

“Sir, we have already witnessed the tragic loss of Kashmiri Pandit employees in targeted attacks. The repeated emergence of new threats every week has created a deep sense of fear and insecurity among employees and their families. Our elders and the entire community are extremely worried about their safety. In view of the prevailing circumstances, we respectfully request your good office to: Provide enhanced and adequate security cover to all PM Package Kashmiri Pandit employees posted in the Kashmir Valley.”

It sought “an immediate and thorough verification” of the fresh threat poster be conducted and those responsible for its circulation identified.

It also sought a review of the security arrangements at the places of posting, residential accommodations, and transit routes of PM Package employees.

“Take necessary preventive measures based on the latest security assessment and intelligence inputs. Ensure that employees whose names, addresses or vehicle details have appeared in such threats receive immediate protection and necessary security guidance.”

“We sincerely hope that the Government will treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and take immediate steps to ensure the safety and confidence of all PM Package employees”, the letter added.

A threat letter against the Kashmiri Pandit migrant employees appeared on social media, but the veracity of the threat or the authenticity of the so-called terrorist outfit is yet to be confirmed by the security forces.