Sat Apr 19 11:37:23 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka MLA Condemns Removal of Sacred Threads from CET Exam Candidates
**Mysuru, Karnataka – April 19, 2025** – Members of the Brahmin community in Mysuru staged a protest today following an incident where two students taking the Common Entrance Test (CET) were allegedly forced to remove their sacred threads at examination centers in Shivamogga and Bidar.
Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa led the demonstration, condemning the actions of security personnel at the exam centers. He described the incident as humiliating and insulting to the Brahmin community and its traditions, stating that the sacred thread represents a cherished spiritual initiation. The protest, organized by the Mysuru Brahmin Yuva Vedike, saw nearly 300 participants marching through the city and submitting a complaint to the Krishnaraja police.
While the Karnataka government has ordered an inquiry into the matter, the BJP has joined the criticism, holding the government accountable. Srivatsa demanded the dismissal of those responsible and threatened further protests if the government fails to take appropriate action. Representatives from various Brahmin organizations, including the Akhila Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha and Hoysala Karnataka Sangha, also participated in the demonstration. The incident has sparked a debate about religious freedom and the treatment of cultural practices within the state.
First Piper 