1. In a setback to the Congress government, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is said to have rejected amendments to Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997, that sought to increase tax on richer temples and provide aid to poorer ones, and social security measures to over 40,000 archakas of Muzrai temples in Karnataka, among other changes. These amendments had been opposed by the BJP in the budget session of the Karnataka legislature. Governor has sought clarification on a pending case in the Supreme Court and also if similar legislation has been contemplated for other religious bodies in a similar fashion.
2. Congress, which did not release its candidates’ list yesterday, is expected to do it today. There is heartburn and protests in some quarters, including over denial of ticket to Veena Kashappanavar, who is the wife of a sitting MLA.
3. Chikkaballapur MP B.N. Bacche Gowda resigns from BJP. He had earlier announced retirement from electoral politics but remained in the party. His son is a Congress MLA. Meanwhile, dissidence by those denied tickets continues. Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda is sitting on the fence while K.S. Eshwarappa is firm in his decision to contest from Shivamogga.
