Tensions Rise Over Saffron Shawl Ban in Karnataka Schools

A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka following the Congress-led government's order banning saffron shawls in educational institutions, sparking accusations of appeasement politics from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that while saffron shawls would not be permitted, existing practices like wearing hijabs, turbans, rudraksha beads, and sacred threads would continue. The move has drawn criticism from BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, who described the government as engaging in vote-bank politics.

Poonawalla further alleged that the Siddaramaiah administration's policies favor certain communities and criticized past actions, claiming the government had announced sectarian budgets and colonies. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah reiterated that religious practices currently in place could remain and emphasized the inclusive nature of the new policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)