Karnataka News: A measure mandating a 10 per cent tax on the profits of temples with revenues over ₹ 1 crore was defeated in the state legislative council late last evening, dealing a blow to the Karnataka administration led by Congress. This occurs two days following the state assembly’s passage of the law.
Karnataka Temple Tax Sparks Intense Debate
The measure created a great deal of controversy in Karnataka, where the Congress was accused of ‘anti-Hindu’ policies by the opposition BJP. In the Karnataka legislative council, or Upper House, the National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, has a larger majority than the incumbent administration. There is one independent candidate, thirty MLCs from the Congress, thirty from the BJP, and eight from the JD(S). There is a vacancy in the council seat.
Karnataka Government’s Controversial Amendment Bill Explained
The “Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Amendment Bill 2024,” which was passed by the Karnataka government, requires the state to collect taxes from temples with revenues over ₹ 1 crore, as well as five percent from those with revenues between ₹ 10 lakh and ₹ 1 crore. State ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao and Ramalinga Reddy defended the government’s bill revisions when they faced criticism and attacked the BJP for opposing them.
State ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao and Ramalinga Reddy defended the government’s bill revisions when they faced criticism and attacked the BJP for opposing them. Ramalinga Reddy, the minister of transport, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of being “anti-Hindu” and stated that the bill’s modifications were carried out by the former government.
Minister Reddy Counters BJP, Denies Congress is Anti-Hindu
“We are not anti-Hindu. Actually, the BJP is anti-Hindu. This Act came into existence in 2003. In 2011, they made some amendments. At that time, up to ₹ 5 lakh, there were about 34,000 temples – they did not give any money for Dharmika Parishad. From ₹ 5 Lakhs to ₹ 10 Lakhs, there are about 193 ‘B grade’ temples – they have to give 5 per cent. More than ₹ 10 Lakhs, there are about 205 temples – they have to give 10 per cent. They approved this amendment in 2011 in the Assembly. Who is anti-Hindu? BJP,” he said.
Health Minister Accuses BJP of Misleading, Stresses Welfare Intent
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao claimed that the BJP was trying to mislead when it tried to assist smaller temples, and that the BJP should know that the bill is for the welfare of the temples. Former Chief Minister and BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa questioned why only Hindu temples are being scrutinised and not the revenues of other religions after the measure was approved by the state legislature.
Claiming that the bill’s revisions “appear to be misrepresented,” “aiming only at misleading the public,” and “polarise people along communal lines for political leverage,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated.
