The Karnataka government’s bill proposing a levy on wealthy Hindu temples was defeated in the Legislative Council on Friday. The bill, titled the “Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill 2024,” aimed to create a common pool of funds by collecting a portion of the revenue from temples with an annual income exceeding ₹1 crore.
The bill, already passed in the state assembly, faced strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular). The BJP vehemently criticized the legislation, labeling it “anti-Hindu” and accusing the ruling Congress government of targeting religious institutions.
During the debate in the Legislative Council, the opposition parties argued that the bill would unfairly burden temples and interfere with their autonomy.
They also questioned the government’s motives, alleging that the funds collected would be misused for political purposes.
Following a heated debate, the bill was put to a vote and ultimately defeated in a voice vote. As the news of the defeat emerged, BJP members erupted in celebratory chants of “Jai Shree Ram,” while Congress members countered with shouts of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
The bill’s defeat marks a setback for the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government and is likely to fuel further political tensions in the state.
The BJP’s use of religious slogans during the protest has also drawn criticism from some quarters, raising concerns about the potential for further polarization.
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