A disturbing trend has come to light regarding the management of religious institutions in Karnataka, particularly Hindu temples, and the disproportionate attention given to them compared to other religious entities such as Waqf properties. According to recent reports, out of the staggering 34,500 temples taken over by the Karnataka government, a mere 500 are receiving financial support in the form of salaries for their staff. Especially, there is favouritism towards the Islamic Waqf board in fund allotment by the Karnataka state Congress government led by CM Siddaramaiah.
The Congress government’s anti-Hindu policies in Karnataka are caused discontent among Hindus. Controversial amendments to the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 2024, are aimed at extracting funds from temples and undermining Hindu traditions by involving non-Hindus in temple trusts or administration committees. The Karnataka government introduced the HR & CE amendment bill aimed at temples, sparking protests from Hindu activists and organizations. In a recent development, the Karnataka Legislative Council rejected the bill, prompting the state governor to question why only temples were targeted and not other religious sites
Mohan Gowda, a prominent Hindu activist, highlighted in a media discussion that in 2009, the Waqf board’s property holdings stood at 4 lakh acres. He further pointed out that significant legislative changes occurred in 1995 and 2009 with the introduction of the Waqf Board Act. Drawing attention to the alleged misuse of autonomous powers, he cited instances in Tamil Nadu where the Waqf board claimed ownership of an entire village, including a 1500-year-old temple site and land worth crores.
He further emphasized that the Waqf board’s land holdings have grown substantially over the years, reaching a staggering 8.52 lakh acres across India, making it the third-largest landowner in the country. In Karnataka, he highlighted a stark contrast between the treatment of Hindu temples and Waqf properties. Out of the 34,500 temples in the state, only 500 A and B-grade temples have their priests receiving salaries from the government, while C and D-grade temples are neglected. Additionally, he expressed concern over the lack of surveying of temple lands worth an estimated 10,000 crores, which have reportedly been directly acquired as a part of encroachment by the Karnataka state government.
These assertions were made by Hindu activist Mohan Gowda during a panel discussion on Republic News. However, Islamist leader Sadik Pasha denied the veracity of these claims, accusing Gowda of spreading misinformation in the media. When the Hindu activist asked about the funds and salary of Rs 8000 given by the state government to the imams, Pasha further denied that they had received any such funds. He critically questioned the government, asking why, if the government is providing Rs 37 crores for the protection of Islamist properties, similar measures aren’t taken to protect our Hindu religious lands and temples. He raised concerns about the discrimination and persecution faced by Hindu Dharma, urging for equitable treatment and protection of Hindu religious sites.
In conclusion, the revelation that only a fraction of temples are receiving financial support from the Karnataka government, while efforts are being made by the Congress government to divert temple resources to safeguard Waqf properties, underscores a clear religious bias and favoritism towards Islam.
