He accuseD ISKCOn of collecting huge sums in the name of Akshaya Patra meal programme.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president and MLA, DK Shivkumar, on Thursday asked the state government to confiscate all the assets of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Bangalore and arrest its heads, Madhu Pandit Dasa and Chanchala Pati Dasa.
Shivkumar’s statement came within hours of ISKCON demanding his removal from a joint legislature committee set up to investigate irregularities in the Akshaya Patra midday meal programme.
“In the name of Akshaya Patra midday meal programme, ISKCON is collecting huge funds from many foreign agencies as well as from Indian citizens and organisations. This is illegal as the state and Central governments are funding the scheme. ISKCON is collecting the money by portraying the plight of poor children. By doing so, they are tarnishing the image of India before foreigners,” he said.
The MLA said that he had enough proof on ISKCON’s illegal activities. “I have enough material to prove that the temple authorities are collecting huge sums of money from private parties. I will not speak without any proof. The education department has clarified that ISKCON can’t collect money in the name of the midday meal programme. The Centre has also clearly said that money should not be collected from the public for such scheme,” said Shivkumar.
He also accused ISKCON of doing real estate business. “According to the affidavit filed by Madhu Pandit Dasa and Chanchala Pati Dasa, they own 40 acres of private land. But the revenue records show that they have encroached more than 40 acres of land at Mahadevapura, in Mandya district. ISKCON cannot engage in business activities as it is a religious charitable trust. The government should arrest the ISKCON heads and put them behind the bars,” he said.
“Another interesting news is that the files containing the details of the ISKCON property is missing from the Bangalore Development Authority office. They are trying their best to hide their illegal activities,” said the MLA.
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