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Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 4: Vishwa Hindu Parishad provincial working president, Prof MB Puranik on Wednesday slammed Yediyurappa-led BJP government in the state for issuing the order for registration of Hindu private temples under column-53 of Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments department.

Addressing the press meet at the VHP office here, Puranik said, "In August 2015, the then Congress government had issued this circular. Unfortunately, the current government, issued the circular to implement the order. As per the order private temples (excluding government-owned temples) should register under column-53. Registering has been made mandatory. Now officials have begun issuing the notices to private temples," he said.

"The private-owned temples should register the temple and provide the details about the movable, immovable assets, annual income and document details to Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department within one month," Puranik added.

"Moreover, the government has warned, if the authorities of the private temples fail to give details, action will be taken against such temples. This is a step towards 'governmentalization' of private temples," he said.

Puranik expressed disappointment over the interference of the government in the affairs of private temples. "Several private temples in the state are involved in pro-social activities. They are managed efficiently. This strategy of governmentalizing private temples is unacceptable, therefore the government should withdraw this order," the VHP leader demanded.

"Governmentalization of the private temples will pave way for corruption and misappropriation. The department which has no sufficient staff to manage affairs of muzrai owned temples has now gone one step ahead to bring private temples under its ambit," he added.

Speaking on this occasion, VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell said, "Though the Congress government issued the circular, the BJP government has passed an order to implement this which is disappointing. Why is the government seeking information on Hindu temples, why not details on masjids and churches?".

"Minister of muzrai department and the government should take this matter seriously. If not, then in the coming days we will hold a protest," Pumpwell warned.

Gopal Kuthar, Shivanand Mendon and Manohar Suvarna were present.