Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 19: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, on Saturday came down heavily on the Karnataka government over the controversy surrounding students being allegedly asked to remove their Janivara (sacred thread) before appearing for the CET exams at centres in Bidar and Shivamogga.

Speaking to media, Joshi said that the Janivara is not exclusive to Brahmins, but a part of religious belief for many. “This is not merely a personal accessory but a symbol of faith. Forcing students to remove it is an assault on that belief. The government must take this seriously and issue clear guidelines,” he said, strongly condemning the incident.

He criticised the Congress-led state government for taking superficial action by suspending a home guard and said that it was not enough. Joshi further accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s administration of using controversies like the caste census to divert public attention from governance failures.

On the proposal to implement the 'Rohith Vemula Act', Joshi alleged that the Congress had no consistent stand on national issues and was indulging in vote-bank politics. “Rahul Gandhi and his party are not interested in the welfare of the nation. Their politics revolves around division and distraction,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, JD(S) Youth Wing President Nikhil Kumaraswamy also condemned the incident, calling it deeply insensitive. “We must respect the traditions of all communities. Denying a student an exam over a sacred thread is unacceptable,” he said. Nikhil questioned the rationale behind the restriction, stating, “Can anyone cheat using a Janivara? Is it comparable to a smartwatch?”
He urged the government to take stringent action against those responsible and to ensure such incidents are not repeated, stressing the need for awareness and sensitivity while handling religious sentiments.