BENGALURU, May 15 -- Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said saffron shawls would not be permitted in educational institutions, even as his government moved to withdraw a 2022 order introduced by the previous BJP administration that effectively barred hijabs inside classrooms.

The clarification came amid mounting political criticism and warnings from some right-wing groups that students would begin wearing saffron shawls to classrooms if hijabs were allowed.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said the state government's position was limited to permitting existing religious and cultural practices alongside prescribed school uniforms, and not introducing new forms of attire. "Saffron shawls are not allowed. Those shawls ca...