A whopping Rs 10 lakh tax on temples for every Rs 1 crore donation the temples receive

• The Congress Government in Karnataka passed the bill on temples
• People belonging to other faiths can be appointed in the management committee of temples
• BJP calls the bill ‘Anti-Hindu’

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – The Karnataka Government has recently enacted the ‘Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill 2024’. The bill empowers the Government to collect tax from temples. As per the provisions of the bill, if the revenue of a Hindu temple exceeds Rs 1 crore, the Government can levy a tax of 10% on it and those whose revenue is less than Rs 1 crore but if it exceeds Rs 10 lakh, the Government can levy a tax of 5% on them. BJP has opposed this bill.

Why is the Karnataka Government targeting only Hindu temples and no other religions ? – BJP

Karnataka BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa has posted on the ‘X’ platform that, “The Congress Government is consistently adopting anti-Hindu policies in the State. Congress closely monitors the income of Hindu temples. Through the Hindu Religious Endowments Amendment Act, it is trying to siphon off donations as well as offerings from Hindu temples and religious institutions to fill its empty coffers. The Government will fulfil its other objectives by raising funds from the temples. Temple funds should be dedicatedly utilised for the renovation of temples and to facilitate the work beneficial to devotees, rather than diverting it for other purposes, which would be an injustice and betrayal of people’s religious beliefs. Why only Hindu temples are targeted for revenue, leaving out other religions, is a question raised by millions of devotees.”

BJP leader and advocate Mr Ashwini Upadhyay while criticising this bill said, “Ten per cent Jizya tax is being collected from temples in Karnataka.”

We are true proponents of Hindu Dharma – Congress

Responding to BJP’s opposition, Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that, “BJP always pursues political gains by claiming that Congress is anti-Hindu. However, we, the Congress, consider ourselves the true proponents of Hindu Dharma because, over the years, Congress Governments have consistently safeguarded temples and Hindu interests.” (This is akin to ‘the pot calling the kettle black.’ Even a small child would find it hard to believe the Congress’s claim – Editor)

Cancel the bill allowing the appointment of non-Hindus as members of the Devasthan management committee – Karnataka Devasthan Muth and Dharmik Sanstha Mahasangh

“In the third session of the 16th Legislative Assembly, the Government of Karnataka passed the ‘Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill 2024’, in which Article 25 has been amended to allow appointment of non-Hindus as members of the devasthan management committee. Previously, there was a decision stipulating that individuals from communities other than Hindus should not serve on the devasthan management committee. The recent alteration is viewed as objectionable, representing a conspiracy by the State Government to subvert the traditions of the devasthan by appointing non-believers in Hindu Dharma. Will the Muslim-appeasing Government, which wants to appoint non-Hindus to the management committee of Hindu temples, appoint Hindus to the Waqf Board ?. This behaviour of the Government reflects anti-Hindu policy. Therefore, the State Government should promptly revoke this amendment, otherwise statewide agitation will be held,” said Mr Mohan Gowda, State Convener of Karnataka Devasthan Muth and Dharmik Sanstha Mahasangh, through a press release.

Editorial Perspectives

• One may not be wrong to say the Anti-Hindu conduct of the Congress Government replicates the regime of ‘Muhammad Ghazni’.
• The Congress Government is enforcing a hefty tax on temples of the same Hindus who elected it to power. When will the Hindus realise that this Government will never tax Masjids or Churches, nor will they ever appoint a Hindu to be a member of their management committee?
• Will Hindus who voted Congress to power, oppose this bill ? Or will they accept it ? Why should our Devi/Devata bestow any mercy on Hindus who support this discrimination?
• In ancient times, we had Kings who are still known for their generous offerings towards the temples. But today we have the politicians who would not spare a dime if it is heard clinking in the temple’s treasury.