Appointment of Muslim to Avimukteshwara temple committee sparks political storm in Karnataka

Bengaluru: In Bengaluru Rural district, the decision by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government on Wednesday to include a non-Hindu member in the Avimukteshwara Brahmotsava Committee at Hoskote Fort has ignited a fierce debate in Karnataka's political arena.

The state's BJP unit has vehemently opposed this move, condemning it on social media platform X. They accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of a bias against Hindus, alleging that his administration aims to exert control over temples and their assets by appointing non-Hindus.

In a statement, they expressed concerns that the decision reflects a broader agenda to undermine Hindu interests, echoing the sentiments of Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress party. They fear that what starts with one temple in Karnataka could eventually extend to all temples across India.

MLA Sharath Bachegowda had initially proposed the formation of a committee to oversee the development and organisation of events at the Avimukteshwara temple in Hoskote. Responding to this request, the Tahsildar appointed 12 members to the committee.

However, the inclusion of Nawaz, a Muslim individual, among these members has sparked outrage among the BJP and the Hindu community at large.