BJP govt withdraws controversial temple circular

BANGALORE: Barely two weeks after coming to power in Karnataka, the BJP government on Thursday hastily withdrew a two-day-old controversial circular directing temples in the State to perform "poojas" in the name of the Chief Minister and the government everyday.
 
The decision to withdraw the circular was taken at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.
 
"The June nine circular of the 'Muzrai' (religious and charitable endowments) department directing performing of pooja to Chief Minister and the Government was decided to be withdrawn," Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Shobha Karandlaje said.
 
The circular issued by the Muzrai Commissioner said: "it is directed by hon. Muzrai Minister (Krishnaiah Setty) that for overall development of the State and for welfare of the people, to maintain peace and tranquility, all the Muzrai temples in the State should perform 'archana' (pooja) in the name of the Chief Minister and also the government".
 
The circular came to light when Setty told the media on Monday that the Endowments Commissioner on his direction had issued the circular to perform archana in the name of
Chief Minister everyday in about 34,000 temples which functioned under the control of the endowments department.