India, May 16 -- A political row erupted on Friday over the Congress-led Karnataka Government's clarification that saffron shawls would not be allowed in educational institutions, with the BJP alleging that it is pursuing "appeasement and vote-bank politics".

The controversy flared up after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Thursday that saffron shawls would not be allowed in educational institutions under the State Government's order on religious symbols, while practices already in existence, such as hijab, turbans, rudraksha beads and sacred threads (janeu) would continue to be permitted.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the Congress Government is pursuing appeasement politics and termed it an "Aur...