Karnataka BJP Demands Apology from CM Siddaramaiah Over Sacred Thread Incident During CET Exam
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP demands that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah apologize for denying entry to students wearing sacred threads before the CET exam, citing incidents that insulted the Brahmin community and hurt their religious sentiments.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP demands an apology from CM Siddaramaiah.
- Students were forced to remove sacred threads before CET.
- The incidents have hurt Brahmin community sentiments.
- Congress government criticized for perceived anti-Hindu actions.
- Calls for action against officials involved in the incident.
Bengaluru, April 18 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has called upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to issue a formal apology to the citizens of the state for preventing students wearing the sacred thread (Janivara) from entering examination halls ahead of the Common Entrance Test (CET).
During a press conference in Bengaluru on Friday, the Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, criticized the Congress-led state administration, stating, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who previously exhibited disdain for 'Kumkum' and 'Kesari' (saffron), has once again showcased his anti-Hindu mindset by demonstrating hostility towards the sacred thread (Janivara)."
In Tirthahalli of Shivamogga district, students from the Brahmin community were compelled to remove their sacred thread during the CET examination, which offended their religious beliefs. In Bidar, this anti-Hindu Congress-led Karnataka government adversely affected a student's future by denying him entry into an exam for refusing to take off the sacred thread, according to Opposition leader Ashoka.
He condemned these events, emphasizing that they have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Brahmin community.
"I call on CM Siddaramaiah to apologize to the people and to take stringent action against the officials involved," he stated.
Ashoka accused the Congress government of disrespecting Brahmins by not permitting sacred threads during the CET exam, reflecting their animosity towards Hindus.
He pointed out that not only Brahmins but also Marathas and Vaishya communities wear sacred threads, and all these groups have been insulted.
In contrast, Muslim girls were permitted to wear hijabs, Ashoka noted.
Addressing the incident, State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra remarked on Friday, "In Bidar, a student wearing a sacred thread (Janivara) was barred from taking the CET exam, while in Shivamogga, an officer audaciously tore off a student's sacred thread, jeopardizing the student's future. Such conduct by officials and staff is completely disgraceful. This form of intellectual perversion and inhumane behaviour is intolerable and reflects the Congress government's profoundly biased perspective."
"The actions of the CET staff, who dashed the dreams of a student who aspired to become an engineer and faced a shocking setback at a pivotal moment in his life, are utterly condemnable," Vijayendra added.
"While it is recognized that certain objects are prohibited during exams and interviews, wearing a sacred thread is linked to family traditions and cultural practices within the Indian community. What effect does wearing a sacred thread have on a student's ability to sit for an exam? The relevant ministers and government must clarify this. Education embodies values, and this situation illustrates the consequences of placing individuals without such values in control of the education sector," he stated.
"The Chief Minister must act against the officials who insulted Hindu traditions and compromised a student's future. The Congress-led Karnataka government, which has disrespected the esteemed Brahmin community that upholds and promotes the values of Sanatana Dharma, must promptly issue an unconditional apology," Vijayendra urged the Congress administration.
