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Key Points

The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticized the Congress government for increasing service fees at 14 major state temples. Opposition leader R. Ashoka accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of deliberately creating obstacles for Hindu religious practices. The fee hikes affect popular rituals at temples including Kukke Subrahmanya and Melukote Cheluvanarayana Swamy. However, Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy clarified that the decision came from temple managements rather than the government.

Key Points: BJP Slams Siddaramaiah Over Karnataka Temple Fee Hikes

  • BJP accuses Siddaramaiah of anti-Hindu policies through temple fee hikes
  • Fee increases affect 14 major temples including Kukke Subrahmanya
  • New rates for rituals like Ashlesha Pooja effective October 1
  • Minister claims decision came from temple managements not government
2 min read

BJP slams Siddaramaiah govt for hiking service fees in 14 temples of Karnataka

Karnataka BJP accuses Siddaramaiah govt of targeting Hindus with service fee increases at 14 major temples including Kukke Subrahmanya, effective October 1.

"I don't understand what kind of perverse joy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gets by creating obstacles for Hindu temples - R. Ashoka"

Bengaluru, Sep 20

Karnataka BJP has slammed the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government for hiking the service fees for devotees at 14 major temples in the state, which come under the Muzrai Department.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka stated on Saturday, "I don't understand what kind of perverse joy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gets by creating obstacles for Hindu temples, festivals, and celebrations. And now, by increasing the service fees in 14 major Muzrai temples across the state, including famous Kukke Subrahmanya, he has dealt another blow to Hindus."

CM Siddaramaiah stubbornly insisted on having people of other religions, who have no faith in goddess Chamundeshwari, goddess Bhuvaneshwari, or in the cultural symbols of turmeric and vermilion, inaugurate the Dussehra festivities, Ashoka stated.

"By citing the excuse of expensive passes, he has made it difficult for common people to witness the Dussehra celebrations. CM Siddaramaiah, why do you harbour such hatred and contempt for Hindus? In Rahul Gandhi's Constitution book, are Hindus considered second-class citizens?" Ashoka questioned.

The Muzrai Department has issued an order increasing service fees in 14 temples, including the famous Kukke Subramanya Temple, Melukote Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Soutadka Mahaganapathi Temple, Mandarthi Durga Parameshwari Temple, and others. The revised fees will come into effect from October 1.

Other major temples where service fees have been hiked include the Yoga Narasimhaswamy Temple, Nandi Teertha and Mahaganapathi Temples in Bengaluru, and the Vidurashwatha Narayanaswamy Temple in Chikkaballapura.

However, Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy has clarified that the decision to increase service fees was taken by the respective temple managements, and the government order was issued based on their recommendations.

At the Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple, the fee for the popular Ashlesha Pooja and Nagara Pratishte rituals has been raised from Rs 400 to Rs 500. The fees for all other rituals have also been increased.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a regular devotee at Kukke Subrahmanya, I don't mind paying ₹100 more for rituals if it helps maintain temple facilities. Everything is getting expensive these days, even temples need funds for maintenance.
V
Vikram M
BJP is right to question this. Why target only Hindu temples? When was the last time government increased fees for any other religious place? Double standards clearly visible here.
S
Sarah B
I visited Melukote temple last month and the facilities need improvement. If increased fees lead to better amenities, clean toilets, and maintained premises, it's worth it. Quality comes at a cost.
A
Ananya R
Both sides playing politics with religion. Instead of fighting, they should ensure transparency in how temple funds are used. Devotees deserve to know where their money is going. 💰
M
Michael C
The timing is suspicious right before festival season. Many middle-class families plan temple visits during holidays, and these increased costs will affect their budgets. Could have been implemented later.

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