Karnataka's Controversial Decision: Hijabs Allowed, Saffron Shawls Banned

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reaffirmed the state government's stance on religious symbols in educational institutions, confirming that while hijabs and similar symbols are allowed, saffron shawls remain banned. This decision comes as a reversal of the previous BJP government's order from 2022.

The announcement, however, triggered strong reactions from the opposition, who labeled it as 'appeasement politics.' Right-wing factions have expressed their discontent, highlighting a brewing tension over religious attire policies in schools and colleges.

In other topics, Siddaramaiah criticized the handling of the NEET examination and the Prime Minister's environmental measures. He called for systemic changes in examination conduct and urged for better international cooperation on energy saving rather than symbolic gestures.

(With inputs from agencies.)