Row Erupts Over Karnataka's Tax On Temples With Revenue Over Rs 1 Cr
While BJP leader portrayed this levy as government's plan to "gobble up" temple revenue, Siddaramaiah slammed Vijayendra for hurling allegations to mislead and polarise people along communal lines.
On the bill, Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, "We are not anti-Hindu. Actually, BJP is anti-Hindu...This Act came into existence in 2003. In 2011, they made some amendments...At that time, upto Rs 5 Lakhs there were about 34,000 temples - they did not give any money for Dharmika Parishad."
"From Rs 5 Lakhs to Rs 10 Lakhs, there are about 193 'B grade' temples - they have to give 5%. More than Rs 10 Lakhs, there are about 205 temples - they have to give 10% ---- They approved this amendment in 2011 in the Assembly. Who is anti-Hindu? BJP...In the interest of the most neglected 'C grade' temples in Karnataka...if I give Rs 2-3 Lakhs, they can repair, reconstruct. This is the idea," he said.
#WATCH | Karnataka Govt passed 'Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill 2024' that empowers the govt to collect 10% tax from temples that have revenues exceeding Rs 1 crore & 5% from those with revenues ranging between Rs 10 lakh & Rs 1 crore.… pic.twitter.com/rnnzLestzA
— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2024
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