News Flash
February 22
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, recently approved the 'Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill 2024'. This bill mandates the government to collect a percentage of revenue from temples based on their earnings. Temples generating over Rs 1 crore in revenue will be required to contribute 10%, while those earning between Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 1 crore will contribute 5%.
The passage of this bill has ignited a heated debate between the ruling Congress and its opposition, the BJP. The BJP has accused Siddaramaiah's administration of implementing "Anti-Hindu" policies through this bill. State president of BJP, Vijayendra Yediyurappa, criticized the government, alleging that the bill aims to replenish the state's finances at the expense of Hindu temples.
Responding to the BJP's allegations, the Congress countered, asserting that comparable provisions have been in place since 2001, with only the thresholds being modified. However, BJP leaders remain unconvinced, with Vijayendra arguing that the allocation of temple funds for purposes other than temple renovation and devotee services is against the beliefs of devotees and could lead to unrest and fraudulent activities.
Vijayendra also questioned the government's focus solely on Hindu temples, raising concerns about the scrutiny of temple incomes while ignoring the revenues of other religious institutions. The contentious bill has stirred widespread debate and sparked tensions between political parties in the state.