Karnataka Temple Tax Bill Defeated: Congress Faces Setback, BJP Hails Victory (Full Story)

In a major setback for the Karnataka Congress government, their proposed temple tax bill has been defeated in the legislative council. The bill, which sought to impose a 10% tax on temples with annual income exceeding ₹1 crore, sparked widespread controversy and faced strong opposition from the BJP.

Key Points:

• Bill Defeated: The bill, passed in the state assembly, was rejected in the council due to the BJP’s majority.
• Controversy & Accusations: The BJP accused the Congress of “anti-Hindu” policies, while the Congress defended the bill as necessary for regulating temple finances and aiding smaller temples.
• Temple Tax: The proposed tax aimed to generate revenue for the state government and regulate temple administration.
• Political Implications: This defeat weakens the Congress government and potentially boosts the BJP’s image among Hindu voters.

Further details:

• Government Defense: Ministers Ramalinga Reddy and Dinesh Gundu Rao defended the bill, claiming it wasn’t anti-Hindu and citing past BJP amendments.
• BJP’s Stand: Former CM B.S. Yediyurappa questioned the targeting of Hindu temples and demanded similar scrutiny of other religious institutions’ income.
• Religious Freedom Concerns: The bill raised concerns about government interference in religious institutions and the potential misuse of tax revenue.