The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has launched scathing criticism against the Congress-led state government, alleging the passage of the ‘Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill 2024’ as an “anti-Hindu” move. The bill mandates the collection of 10% of revenue from temples earning over Rs 1 crore and 5% from those earning between Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 1 crore.

State BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa condemned the bill, accusing the government of targeting Hindu temples to replenish its coffers. He expressed concern over the potential misallocation of devotees’ offerings, warning of possible violence and fraud. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed these sentiments, labeling the bill a “new low” for the ruling party.

In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the amendments, stating that they aimed to enhance the common pool established since 1997 for religious purposes related to Hinduism. He clarified that contributions to the fund were based on a percentage of the temples’ income, emphasizing the bill’s adherence to the protection of Hindu interests.

Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy hit back at the BJP, accusing them of politicizing religion for electoral gains. He questioned the BJP’s negligence towards temple revenues during their tenure and asserted the Congress’s commitment to safeguarding Hindu interests.

The exchange of accusations intensified as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for misleading the public and polarizing communities for political leverage. He condemned the unethical practices of BJP leaders and questioned their credibility, likening their behavior to the depreciation of the Indian Rupee under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.