Controversy beckons Karnataka: Mutts can be taken over by govt

Bengaluru, Dec 20: The ruling Congress in Karnataka appears to be giving the BJP a lot of fodder to put up a fight. It withdrew the anti-cow slaughter bill and also tabled a bill which allows the government to take over temples and mutts in trouble.

The BJP has reacted very sharply to the developments and has warned of a major agitation if the decisions are not reversed.

Cow slaughter

After the Congress came to power it promised to withdraw the anti cow slaughter bill. In the assembly the government which has an absolute majority passed the bill which withdraws the Karnataka Prevention of Cow slaughter and protection Bill of 2010. This Bill was passed when the BJP came to power in Karnataka.

While the Bill was being withdrawn the BJP legislators shouted slogans but were outnumbered by the ruling Congress.

Bill on Mutts and temples

The second bill proposes to amend the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Charitable Endowments legislation. By way of this amendment the government proposes to take over troubled mutts and temples.

The amended bill would permit the government to take over a mutt if the leader is a minor or is unable to manage the affairs of the mutt. The government can also take over the Mutt if the leader is unable to manage it or if the leader dies without appointing a successor.

Even if a complaint is filed by a disciple the government can take over the mutt.‎ If the Muzrai commissioner finds that the mutt is being mismanaged then the government is empowered to take over the mutt.

Expect protests

The BJP and several leaders of the mutts have threatened an agitation if these decisions are not reversed. The BJP says that this is an attempt to gain control over the mutts. Stage managed complaints could be filed and a take over would happen, the BJP says.

OneIndia News