Bengaluru: Karnataka Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy has strongly refuted the BJP’s allegation that temple service fees are being diverted to fund the Congress government’s guarantee schemes. He clarified that the law governing temple finances, enacted in 1997 under then Chief Minister J.H. Patel and implemented from 2003, strictly prohibits the transfer of money from one temple to another or to the state treasury.
“BJP leaders have no work other than spreading lies. They are indulging in propaganda without understanding the law. Since the law came into force, not a single rupee from any temple has gone to the government treasury, nor can funds from one temple be transferred to another. Even when BJP was in power between 2008–2013 and later from 2019–2023, this rule was followed,” Reddy said, addressing reporters.
Temple Classifications Explained
The Minister explained that Karnataka has 205 Grade A temples with revenues above ₹25 lakh, and 193 Grade B temples with revenues between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh. Together, there are 398 temples, each governed by a committee consisting of one president, eight members, and hereditary priests.
“Administration of temples like Kateel Temple is fully managed by their local management committees, not by the government. The state government has no interference in their fee revisions. In fact, many revisions of service fees were carried out even during BJP’s tenure. For instance, between 2019 and 2023, the BJP government approved service fee revisions in 24 temples,” Reddy pointed out.
Recent Revisions at Kukke Subramanya
Citing an example, the Minister said, “In 2010, during the BJP government, service fee revisions were approved at Kukke Subramanya Temple. Recently, in 2025, the temple’s management committee again sought revisions, pointing out that the cost of coconuts, flowers, camphor, and other offerings had increased in the past 15 years. Our Muzrai Commissioner approved the request as per rules. This is a natural process and not political interference.”
RTI Transparency
Reddy challenged BJP leaders to verify the facts through RTI applications, saying: “If the BJP genuinely believes temple money is being misused, let them show proof. Since 2003, the law has not allowed even one rupee to flow into the government treasury. These false charges are being made only to mislead the public.”
The Minister concluded that the Congress government is committed to transparency in temple administration and respects the autonomy of temple management committees, while BJP is using temples for political propaganda.
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