Temple Tax Proposal Defeated: Karnataka Government Faces Political Blow

In a political setback for Karnataka's Congress government, the proposed Temple Tax Bill, aiming to tax temples with revenues exceeding Rs 1 crore, was defeated by the legislative council. The BJP's dominance, with 35 members, led to the rejection, sparking debates over religious scrutiny and fiscal management.

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Karnataka's Congress government faced a significant blow as its proposed Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill 2024 failed to pass in the legislative council, marking a setback in their legislative agenda. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the bill aimed to impose a 10 percent tax on temples generating revenues above Rs 1 crore. Despite its successful passage in the state Assembly, the bill encountered staunch opposition in the legislative council, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds more seats than Congress.

The legislative landscape in Karnataka reflects a delicate balance of power, with the BJP commanding 35 members, while Congress trails with 30, and the Janata Dal (Secular) holds eight seats. The bill's fate hinged on a voice vote orchestrated by Deputy Chairman MK Pranesh, wherein opposition members predominantly voted against its adoption, resulting in its rejection. With seven members supporting the bill and 18 opposing it, the proposed legislation faced a resounding defeat.

Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, a prominent BJP figure, lambasted the Congress government's selective scrutiny of Hindu temples, questioning the rationale behind singling out one religious community for taxation. Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, advocating for the bill, highlighted the potential fiscal gains for the government, projecting a substantial increase in revenue from temple taxes. He emphasized the allocation of these funds for the management and development of 'C' grade temples, which constitute a significant portion of Karnataka's religious landscape.

However, the bill encountered staunch resistance from opposition leaders, including Kota Srinivas Poojari, who deemed the proposed taxation untenable and called for greater government investment in temple development. BJP MLC N Ravikumar echoed these sentiments, urging the state government to abandon its plans for temple taxation and allocate substantial funds for temple renovation and maintenance. Despite Minister Reddy's insistence on reintroducing the bill for consideration, Deputy Chairman Pranesh's procedural intervention led to its ultimate rejection.

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The legislative turmoil surrounding the Temple Tax Bill reflects broader tensions within Karnataka's political arena, with parties engaging in ideological battles over religious freedom, fiscal policy, and governance priorities. As the BJP celebrates its victory in thwarting the bill, the Congress government faces scrutiny and criticism over its handling of religious and fiscal matters. Amidst escalating rhetoric and partisan exchanges, the fate of temple taxation remains uncertain, underscoring the complexities of governance in a diverse and politically charged state like Karnataka.