In another bid to blunt the BJP campaign involving the consecration of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department in Karnataka has sought funds to renovate 100 Ram temples across the state.
While speaking to The Indian Express, Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “We have asked for special funds for the renovation of these temples spread across the state”.
Though there were reports that over Rs 100 crore was sought for the purpose, Reddy said they have not asked for a specific amount. “The government can allocate whatever money it deems fit,” he said.
The finance portfolio in the state is with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The proposal was placed during the pre-budget meeting of the department held recently. The Karnataka Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal will be presented on February 16.
During the consecration of Ram Temple at Ayodhya on January 22, temples under the Muzrai Department of the state were directed to offer special prayers coinciding with the widely publicised ceremony. This was largely seen as an attempt to counter the BJP’s Mantrakshate campaign — a programme to distribute holy grains and invitations to the temple inauguration in all villages of the state.
Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the ruling Congress party in Karnataka is under attack from the Opposition BJP for its alleged ‘anti-Hindu’ stance over the past months.
Starting with the arrest of a Hindu activist in a 31-year-old arson case in early January and more recently with the Keragodu flag incident at Mandya, the BJP has accused the state government of working against the interest of Hindus.
Apart from this, the BJP has also plans to send 10,000 devotees from Karnataka to Ayodhya.