In a major victory to the Opposition BJP, the ruling Congress Government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had to withdraw under pressure a notice inviting suggestions on whether or not mutts, temples and Hindu religious institutions should come under the control of State Government under religious endowments Act.
The State Government ahead of Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s four day visit to the state was embarrassed by the notice issued by the Minister concerned which will have repercussion as many heads of the mutts and temple have criticised the move by the Government.
However thoroughly discomfited chief minister Siddaramaiah who felt that it would become a major stumbling block in the ensuing elections has announced in the ongoing budget session (last session of this Government ) the withdrawal of such notice. Intervening in an adjournment motion moved by Opposition BJP by KS Eshwarappa on the issue in the Legislative Council, Chief Minister announced that the public notice seeking feedback would be withdrawn. He said to the members “ It is not a circular but a public notice seeking opinion. There is no question of the Government taking control of mutts and temples.”
Clarifying he said the Division Bench of the High Court of Karnataka had quashed the endowment act and directed formulating a new Act, following which public opinion was sought. “A similar public notice had been issued during your (BJP’s) rule by the committee headed by (the former chief) justice Rama Jois. Why were you silent then?” he asked displaying copies of the previous public notice.
Reacting to the u turn of the government and the embarrassment faced by the ruling congress government BJP president BS Yeddyurappa said the government has become a laughing stock. He said “ this government has become a laughing stock by issuing a controversial notice to bring religious organisations within the ambit of religious endowment department at a time when it is finding it difficult to manage its own departments.” “ The government had to withdraw this because of the opposition from the prominent religious leaders, seers, mutt heads and the public,” he added.
However Siddaramaiah trouble shooting the problem said “I am also a Hindu. We have respect for gods, mutts and temples. There is no need for mutt heads to fear the notice.” He also accused the BJP of “playing politics” over the issue.