Sat Dec 07 03:32:50 UTC 2024: **Karnataka Governor Delays Key Bills, Sparking Political Row**
Bengaluru, December 7, 2024 – The Karnataka Governor, Thaawarchand Gehlot, is delaying the passage of three key bills passed by the state legislature, reigniting a political standoff with the Congress government. The bills include the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Charitable Endowments Bill, 2024 (which proposes a 10% levy on high-income temples for priest welfare and temple development), and two amendments to the Karnataka Legislature (Prevention of Disqualification) Bill.
The Governor has requested clarifications on these bills, citing concerns about legal challenges and seeking further information. This action follows an earlier dispute in August where Governor Gehlot returned 11 bills passed by the legislature. While three of these have since received assent, the remaining eight, including the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, remain pending. Four additional bills, including those concerning town and country planning and cooperative societies, have also been returned for clarifications.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has criticized the Governor for focusing on “petty issues” and delaying crucial legislation. The opposition BJP, meanwhile, has expressed its opposition to the Hindu Religious Institutions bill. The ongoing delay is raising concerns about potential governance disruptions in Karnataka.
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