Decode Politics: Why change in a Karnataka Act on temple funds has pitted BJP against Congress

The fundamental difference between how the Congress and BJP want to manage temples in Karnataka has risen to the fore following the passage of an amendment by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997, in the ongoing Budget Session of the state Assembly.

The amendment, which seeks to consolidate temple funds for their upkeep, has been interpreted by the BJP as proof of the state government taking control of temples. The conflict arrives just months before the Lok Sabha polls, with temples expected to be a resonant issue, particularly after the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya last month.

The amendment to the 1997 Act essentially intends to “enhance the amount of common pool funds” available to the government for the upkeep of nearly 35,000 temples in the state and for socio-religious work.

The Bill intended to divert “10% of the gross income of institutions whose gross annual income exceeds Rs 1 crore,” to a common pool for the maintenance of temples instead of the existing “10% of the net income of institutions whose gross annual income exceeds Rs 10 lakh”.

In addition, the amended law dedicates 5% of the income of institutions earning between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to the common pool, changing the previous income bracket from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

Incidentally, the common pool of funds generated by the diversion of revenues of wealthy temples is the main source of funding for smaller temples in Karnataka, apart from grants from the state government.

Introducing the amendment, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (also known as Muzrai) Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the common fund will be used to provide various amenities to temples,