In a shocking move but not surprising since it is the Congress government in Karnataka, notices have been issued to 162 privately managed temples, urging them to come under the purview of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Act. The notices, aimed at bringing these revenue-yielding temples under government regulation, have stirred controversy and sparked a call for withdrawal by activist Girish Bharadwaj.

As per official records, there are currently 34,562 temples under government control in Karnataka. However, it is an open secret that mosques and churches are absent from state management, raising questions once again about the selective regulation of religious institutions in the country, now in Karnataka.

Entrepreneur, Swayamsevak, and activist Girish Bharadwaj has voiced strong opposition to the government’s move, calling for an immediate withdrawal of the notices. He has warned that legal action will be taken if the notices are not rescinded promptly, and the government will be publicly scrutinised.

Bharadwaj emphasised that political parties should refrain from interfering in temple affairs, asserting that Hindus are not second-grade citizens in the country. The controversy has ignited a broader debate about separating religious institutions from political influence.

In a post shared by Girish Bharadwaj, a memorandum dated December 5, 2023, from the Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments highlighted the appointment of Administrative Officers for Sri Kannikaparameshwari Temple in Bellary. The appointment, made under the Karnataka HRCE Act, grants executive powers to manage and account for the temple for a period of six months.

The memorandum outlines the order from the District Collector of Bellary, directing the assumption of charge by an Administrative Officer for the temple. The officer is mandated to oversee all aspects of temple administration and accounting until the formation of an Advisory or Management Committee or for the specified duration of six months, whichever comes earlier.

This development has again raised questions about the government’s involvement in managing Hindu religious institutions.