In a significant development in the Karnataka Legislative Council, the proposed Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 2024, was met with rejection. The proposed legislation, which aimed to establish a Common Pool Fund under the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department to support religious activities in Karnataka, has sparked controversy, faced opposition from members of the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular). On February 23rd, voice voting was conducted in the presence of the combined opposition of the BJP and JDS in the legislative council, led by Deputy Chairman M. K. Pranesh. The voice vote, which saw seven votes in favor and 18 against it, marked a setback for the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government.
The amendment bill sought to mandate the government’s collection of 10 percent of the income from temples earning over Rs 1 crore, directing the funds into a Common Pool Fund to aid ‘C’ category temples. The rejection of the bill comes amidst criticisms from the BJP, which accused the government of attempting to appropriate the wealth of rich temples in the state. The BJP alleged that the amendment reflects the government’s agenda to “rob” temples, questioning why only Hindu places of worship are targeted.
Based on the reports, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra strongly criticized the Siddaramaiah government’s intentions, asserting that the move indicates a deliberate attempt to exploit the income of Hindu temples for the government’s benefit. The rejection of the amendment bill underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the management and utilization of temple funds, highlighting broader concerns regarding religious institutions financial autonomy and government intervention.
The bill had previously received approval in the Assembly, where the Congress government holds 135 out of 224 seats. According to the government, the amendment was aimed at centralizing temple funds for maintenance purposes, but Hindu activists said, it’s the state government’s attempt to assert authority over temples. The Karnataka state Congress government has faced criticism for anti-Hindu activities, particularly in its allocation of funds for minority communities. This clash emerges just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, where temples are expected to be a significant focal point. This anticipation is heightened, especially following the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya last month.
