Bengaluru: The long-pending project for building a golden chariot for the popular Kukke Surahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada was revived by Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
According to media reports, the chief minister has asked officials to submit fresh proposal before the state cabinet for the chariot after revising the cost estimate of Rs 15 crore when it was cleared earlier. The project was first taken up in 2005 by the then Congress-JD(S) coalition government.
However, reports have allegedly linked the CM’s move to his astrological belief and has drawn flak for the opposition BJP in the State. A media report claimed that Kumaraswamy has taken it up after being advised by astrologers that not completing the project may affect his political future.
BJP Spokesperson and MLA Suresh Kumar slammed the CM by asking whether Kukke Subrahmanya will want a golden chariot at a time when Karnataka was facing shortage of drinking water.
A statement from Chief Minister’s Office said devotes of the temple met Kumaraswamy and brought to his notice about the Dharam Singh government’s decision and requested him to resume the project.
“In this context, the Chief Minister has directed the officials submit a proposal before the cabinet after revising the estimates, considering today’s market value of gold, construction cost,” said the release.
According to media reports, the government has given approval to use the gold available with the temple and for purchasing the remaining requirement through banks. The order also stated that no government grant could be utilised for the project.
Kukke Subrahmanya temple is said to be the richest among the shrines under the state Muzrai department.