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.

Karnataka government approved 'Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill 2024' granting it the authority to impose taxes on temples generating revenues. The temples exceeding Rs 1 crore will be subject to a 10% tax while those with revenues ranging between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore will face a 5% tax levy. However, the Bill led to a war of words between Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and BJP state unit chief B Y Vijayendra.

While BJP leader Vijayendra portrayed this levy as the government's plan to "gobble up" temple revenue, Siddaramaiah slammed him for hurling allegations to mislead people and polarise them along communal lines. The Chief Minister said the levy has been misrepresented for political gain, as per a report on PTI. He accused BJP leaders of intentionally misleading the public, alleging that they are urging the youth of the country to forsake their employment and engage in a fictitious battle, all for the sole political gain of the BJP.

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.