The Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment bill, which stirred intense debate within the opposition due to its perceived bias, faced a significant setback as it was rejected in the Karnataka Legislative Council. The bill proposed a mandatory government collection of 10 percent of income from temples with revenue exceeding Rs 1 crore. Despite garnering seven votes in favor through a voice vote, it encountered strong opposition, with 18 votes against its passage.
In a contentious Legislative Council session on Friday, Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy presented the bill, setting off a fierce debate between members of the BJP and Congress parties. Despite the heated discussions, Deputy Chairperson MK Pranesh opted to resolve the matter through a voice vote, leading to the ultimate rejection of the bill.
The bill had previously received approval in the state Assembly on Wednesday, but it drew criticism from the BJP. The opposition party accused the state government of pursuing “anti-Hindu policies” and raised concerns about potential misuse of funds. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, stood in defense of the amendment, emphasizing its primary goal of enhancing the common pool fund. The proposed changes sought to shift contributions from specific income brackets to higher thresholds, with the overarching aim of augmenting the fund’s resources.
Comments