Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 19: The Karnataka BJP has strongly condemned the state government over recent incidents during the Common Entrance Test (CET), where students wearing the sacred thread (Janivara) were allegedly denied entry or forced to remove the thread before entering examination halls. Calling the act an affront to Hindu customs, senior BJP leaders have demanded an unconditional apology from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, leader of the opposition R Ashoka launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led government, accusing it of displaying an ‘anti-Hindu mindset’. He alleged that the actions of officials at CET centres in Bidar and Shivamogga reflect a growing hostility towards Hindu traditions under the current regime.
"CM Siddaramaiah, who once frowned upon seeing Kumkum and saffron, is now targeting sacred Hindu symbols like the Janivara," Ashoka charged. "In Shivamogga’s Tirthahalli, Brahmin students were forced to remove their sacred threads during the exam. In Bidar, a student was denied entry for refusing to remove it. These are not isolated incidents—they are part of a larger, disturbing trend."
Ashoka further accused the Congress government of insulting not only the Brahmin community, but also other groups such as the Marathas and Vaishyas who also observe the tradition of wearing the sacred thread. "This is not just an insult to Brahmins—this is an attack on all who follow and respect Indian traditions," he said. "While sacred threads are being questioned, Muslim girls were permitted to wear hijabs during exams. Why this double standard?"
Echoing similar sentiments, state BJP president and MLA B Y Vijayendra called the incident a reflection of the Congress government’s ‘prejudiced mindset’. Referring specifically to the cases in Bidar and Shivamogga, he said, “In Bidar, a student’s dream of becoming an engineer was crushed. In Shivamogga, an officer tore off a student’s sacred thread with arrogance. This is nothing short of inhuman and disgraceful.”
Vijayendra questioned the rationale behind banning sacred threads during exams. “Education is meant to uphold values. Wearing a sacred thread is a part of one’s cultural identity. How does it affect a student’s ability to write an exam? The education department must answer this,” he said.
He demanded strict action against the officials responsible and held the government accountable for hurting religious sentiments. “The Congress government has insulted the cultured Brahmin community, which has always upheld the values of Sanatana Dharma. CM Siddaramaiah must apologise without delay,” Vijayendra urged.
The controversy continues to stir emotions across Karnataka, with Hindu organisations and community leaders expressing deep concern over what they describe as a disregard for religious traditions in educational institutions.