Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan (SP)

Hassan, Feb 8: Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, has strongly opposed the proposal mooted by the state government to have a say in the functioning of maths and other religious institutions in the state.

Answering queries raised by media persons on the issue after coming out of the inaugural function of Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola, Dr Heggade said the fact that the state government has invited suggestions over bringing maths, temples, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist prayer centres etc within the ambit of 'Karnataka Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act' had not come to his notice.

"I have come to know about this development now. I am totally opposed to such a step, if taken, by the government. It is impossible to accept this move, which comes at a time when all kinds of activities are being weaned away from the regime of nationalization. Politics should not be mixed with religion. I hope that the government understands this. If the government does not change its stand and tries to amend the act, we are sure to fight against it. We will also think about ways and means to fight against such a move," he warned.

Tontada Siddalinga Swamiji from Gadag said that he is opposed to bringing Lingayat and Hindu maths alone within the ambit of muzrai department. He said, "If the government wants, it can bring maths and religious centres belonging to all sects including Muslims, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism etc under the administration of the government department."

In his clarification to media, Sri Siddalinga Swamy of Sidddaganga math, Tumakuru opined that it would not be possible for the government to take maths and other religious centres into its control. "Every math has its own existence, customs, traditions, guiding principles etc. All the Swamijis will sit together and consider the issue. Although an effort was made earlier, such an act could not be passed. I hope that the government will not repeat the mistake again," he said.

Shantamallikarjuna Swamiji of Alameri math, Kodagu, said that social welfare minister, H Anjaneya, had invited various math heads sometime back to his office at Bengaluru and spoken about extending aid from the government for development of maths. He said if the government  wants to overpower the maths, he will oppose the same tooth and nail.

At the same time, in a statement issued from Beltangady, Dakshina Kannada district Yuva Morcha president, Harish Poonja, compared the circular issued by the government as above to war on religion. In a statement, he urged the government against taking control of maths and religious centres to appease a certain class of people. He asked the government to withdraw this circular.