Bengaluru, Apr 28 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday demanded the withdrawal of the order prohibiting candidates from wearing religious symbols at railway examination centres, stating that it could create unnecessary anger among the public.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said, "When it's a religious thing like a 'Mangalsutra' or a 'Janeu' (sacred thread), they can check it if required, but removing them is incorrect. We are clearly saying that any such religious symbols, earrings, mangalsutra, Janeu, or a hip band, they can check it. It is not wrong."

Referring to concerns raised in the past over candidates allegedly using small devices concealed in their ears, Shivakumar said, "In the past, there have been some issues where people kept a small device in their ears. It is not right. But the current order must be taken back."

"I think that anything that creates anger among the people must be removed. I demand that such rules be removed," he added.

The directive, issued by the Railway Recruitment Boards ahead of their examinations, had triggered protests from various quarters, with candidates and religious groups expressing concern over its implications.

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