A contentious dispute emerged following the enactment of a bill by the Congress-led government in Karnataka, which mandates the imposition of a 10 percent tax on temples generating revenue exceeding Rs 1 crore. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly condemned the policy, likening it to the historic practice of jizya during the Mughal era, which targeted non-Muslim subjects of Islamic law. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar vehemently criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the taxation of Hindu temples is reminiscent of the discriminatory jizya tax, perpetuating division along religious lines.
Chandrasekhar lambasted Rahul Gandhi's advocacy for national unity, juxtaposing it with what he perceives as Congress's divisive policies aimed at religious, caste, and linguistic segmentation. He accused the Congress of targeting Hindu temples exclusively, while neglecting other religious institutions, thus likening the taxation to a scheme to siphon funds from Hindu devotees.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refuted the BJP's allegations, asserting that the amendments to the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Bill have been distorted for political mileage. He clarified that the amendment seeks to augment a common pool fund, which was previously supported by specific income brackets but is now based on higher income thresholds to bolster the fund.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that the contributions to the fund exclusively serve Hindu religious objectives, dispelling assertions of misappropriation or inequitable taxation. He accused the BJP of misleading the public for political gain, denouncing their unethical practices and highlighting the detrimental impact of such tactics on the welfare of Karnataka's populace.
The Chief Minister admonished the BJP for attempting to sow communal discord for political advantage, admonishing them for their deceitful tactics. He cautioned against falling prey to such divisive rhetoric, urging citizens to reject the BJP's efforts to instigate conflict and prioritize the state's prosperity over political expediency.
