Members of the Sri Ram Sene, a right-wing organization, held a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, against a recent circular issued by the State government. This circular allows students to wear religious symbols, including the hijab, along with their school uniforms. Laxmikanth Swadi, the district president of Sri Ram Sene, criticized the Congress government's decision as politically motivated, aimed at appeasing certain communities for electoral gains. The protesters referenced a 2022 ruling by the Karnataka High Court, which determined that the hijab is not an essential religious practice, arguing that the government's new order violates this ruling and constitutes contempt of court. They emphasized that the uniform system, established during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure, was designed to eliminate distinctions based on caste, religion, and economic status. The protesters expressed concerns that allowing visible religious symbols in classrooms would undermine equality and unity among students. Furthermore, they rejected comparisons between the hijab and Hindu symbols, asserting that the latter are typically worn under clothing. Sri Ram Sene members warned of a potential State-wide agitation if the circular is not rescinded, suggesting that students might don saffron shawls in protest if the hijab is allowed in classrooms.