BJP Criticizes Karnataka Government’s 10 Percent Temple Tax as “Anti-Hindu”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress government in Karnataka of being “anti-Hindu” following the passing of the ‘Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill 2024’ in the state assembly on Wednesday.

The bill grants the government authority to levy a 10 percent tax on temples generating revenues exceeding ₹1 crore, and a 5 percent tax on those with revenues ranging between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore.

Vijayendra Yediyurappa, Karnataka BJP President, criticized the Congress government’s motives, alleging that it aims to bolster its finances through policies detrimental to Hindu interests. “The Congress government, which persistently pursues anti-Hindu policies in the state, has now turned its attention towards the revenue of Hindu temples by passing the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments bill to fill its coffers,” he stated.

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He expressed concerns over the usage of collected funds, arguing that they should be exclusively allocated for temple renovation and devotee welfare. Yediyurappa questioned the targeting of Hindu temples exclusively, without similar measures being applied to other religious institutions.

In response, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy accused the BJP of politicizing religion. He affirmed Congress’s commitment to Hinduism, citing past efforts in safeguarding temples and Hindu interests. Reddy also questioned the BJP’s track record during its tenure, suggesting neglect of Hindu religious institutions’ revenues despite existing legislation.

The debate underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding religious policies in Karnataka, with each party positioning itself as the guardian of Hindu interests while accusing the other of neglect or discrimination.