'Say Jai Shri Ram instead of yes sir during attendance call in classroom': BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy endorses Yatnal

The remark comes amid political reactions over Karnataka government’s decision allowing students to wear hijab and other faith symbols in schools.

Karnataka BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy has backed former party leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s controversial suggestion that students should say 'Jai Shri Ram' instead of 'Yes sir' during attendance calls in classrooms, with a video of his statement now circulating on social media.

In the video, the Gangavathi MLA is heard supporting Yatnal’s suggestions that students should respond with 'Jai Shri Ram' when teachers call out their names in schools instead of replying with 'Yes sir' in English. Reddy described Yatnal’s suggestion as “great” and said he extended his “100 per cent support” to the call.

"I will give such a call whenever I visit any school or college," Reddy said.

The remarks came amid political reactions over the Karnataka government’s decision allowing students to wear hijabs and other faith symbols in schools.

On May 13, the government withdrew the 2022 order banning hijab in classrooms. The government issued a fresh order allowing students to wear, along with prescribed uniforms, “limited traditional and custom-based symbols.”