Congress, BJP spar over appointment in religious organisation in Karnataka

The transfer has sparked outrage throughout the BJP ranks, with MLA Sarath Bachegowda initially requesting the “formation of a committee to oversee the developmental initiatives” for the Avimukteswara Brahmarathotsava.

In response to Bachegowda’s request, the Hoskote tehsildar appointed 12 members to the committee, amongst whom a Muslim man recognized as Nawaz was included. The choice drew sharp condemnation from the BJP, which has expressed issues over “the perceived encroachment on Hindu religious affairs by non-Hindu entities”.

The state BJP unit, on social media platforms criticised the Congress authorities’s choice, highlighting it as one more occasion of “what they perceive as an assault on Hindu traditions and beliefs”. In an official assertion shared on X, the BJP referred to as out “the need for vigilance” in opposition to what they understand because the Congress agenda “to undermine Hindu interests”. However, the submit was deleted after being referred to as out by the Congress.

Accusing the Congress of “pursuing an agenda that allegedly favours specific communities at the expense of Hindu rights”, the BJP warned in opposition to “the potential ramifications of such appointments”, suggesting that it may set a “precedent for similar actions across the country”.

This newest controversy has reignited tensions between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka, with the BJP leveraging the problem to bolster its standing amongst Hindu voters. Emphasising their dedication to “safeguarding Hindu interests”, the BJP has issued a stern warning that “appointments of non-Hindu individuals to Hindu temples will not be tolerated”.

In its response, Congress responded, saying, “Despite reprimands from the Election Commission and international authorities regarding their dissemination of false and malicious content, it appears that the BJP’s propaganda machinery remains unyielding. The appointment of an individual from a different religious background to the Avimukteswara Brahmakalashotsava Samiti in Hoskote is not a departure from tradition but rather a longstanding practice.”

“In both 2020 and 2022, individuals from minority communities were appointed to the committee, with recommendations coming from BJP MLA MTB Nagaraj, even when the state was under BJP governance. The BJP must address the appointments made during their tenure if they wish to raise concerns about the current situation. The people are the ultimate arbiters, and they will not be swayed by deceptive tactics,” the assertion concluded.

The get together additionally put out particulars of a non-Hindu being appointed in 2020 and 2021 as properly when the BJP was in energy within the state and the advice was by a BJP MLA in each situations.

Taking to social media platforms to deal with this problem, chief minister Siddaramaiah queried, “BJP leaders, why do you keep handing us the hammer to hit back at you?” He challenged them to cease their dissemination of falsehoods and face the repercussions in society.

“The Avimukteswara Swamy Temple in Hoskote epitomizes the Hindu ethos of inclusivity towards all religions. People of diverse faiths participate devoutly and respectfully in every religious event there,” he mentioned. He recounted situations the place the BJP authorities, throughout their reign in 2020 and 2022, appointed people from minority communities to the identical Brahmarathotsava committee.