ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣರ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಂದನೆ, ಹೀಯಾಳಿಸುವುದು, ಅಪಮಾನ ಸಹಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ರಾಜ್ಯಾದ್ಯಂತ ಹೋರಾಟ-ಎಸ್.ರಘುನಾಥ್

Gadag: The Gadag District Brahmin Association strongly condemns the inappropriate behavior of examination staff in requiring students to remove their sacred thread (yajnopaveeta) during the CET examination held in Tirthahalli, Shivamogga district, and Bidar,** said the association's district president, Venkatesh Kulkarni.

Speaking at a press conference in the city on Saturday (April 19), he asserted that the Brahmin community will not remain silent against those who play with the sentiments of Brahmin students. He demanded the immediate dismissal of the officials who exhibited arrogance at the examination center.

Students were denied entry to the exam for refusing to remove their sacred thread. While the Brahmin community is known for its peaceful disposition, it will not tolerate attacks on their identity or values, he expressed.

He highlighted that due to the purpose of reserving jobs and higher education for economically weaker sections, there is only a 10% reservation for Brahmin individuals, making it increasingly difficult for students to obtain the necessary IWSS (Income and Assets Certificate). The government must ensure IWSS certificates are valid for a minimum of five years, he insisted.

Kulkarni criticized the social, economic, and educational census as unscientific, firmly opposing caste-based census reports. He alleged that although the Brahmin community in Karnataka comprises about 40 to 50 lakh people, the census reflects a mere 14–15 lakh.

He emphasized the need for a scientifically conducted caste census and called for the inclusion of communities that wear sacred threads in consultations.

Mahaposha Guru Narayana, another speaker, demanded the immediate dismissal of the officials who denied CET access to students in Bidar and insisted that the government ensure students receive government seats in their chosen engineering colleges.

Spiritual scholar Ratnakar Bhat Joshi remarked that the sacred thread signifies an elevation to Brahminhood during the Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony). He noted that without the sacred thread, one cannot perform rituals and highlighted that communities such as Kshatriyas and Vishwakarmas, along with Brahmins, wear sacred threads. He expressed confusion over the government's animosity towards the Brahmin community.