Karnataka seeks divine help for rain, special poojas at 37,000 temples

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With Karnataka staring at its worst drought in 42 years, the BJP government is seeking divine help for rain and has asked 37,000 temples in the state to conduct 'special poojas' that will cost Rs 18.5 crore.

A circular has been sent to the 37,000 temples under the Muzrai (Religious Endowment) department for 'special poojas' to propitiate rain gods, Muzrai Minister Kota Srinivasa Poojari told reporters here on Friday. The state is reeling under severe drought and drinking water scarcity.

An amount of Rs 5,000 has been sanctioned to each temple for performing the ‘special pooja’ on July 27 and August 2, he said, as 123 of the around 175 taluks were in the grip of a severe drought.

The decision has, however, come in for some flak with JDS leader M.C. Nanaiah criticising the state government's decision.

Nanaiah said in the Legislative Council that instead of spending Rs 18.5 crore to perform special poojas the state government could spend the same amount to take up drought relief works.

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, soon after assuming charge, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 17 in New Delhi and sought an immediate Central aid of Rs 2,000 crore.