Belagavi: The reported categorisation of gods and goddesses came for discussion for a brief while in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.
Muzarai Minister Rudrappa Lamani was replying to a Congress member over the appointment of boards to manage certain temples in Uttara Kannada district. Senior BJP member and Deputy Opposition Leader K.B. Shanappa wanted to know if the government has categorized gods and goddesses in the state. He said dalits had been given temples with goddesses where the earnings were less when compared to other gods. If all gods and goddesses are the same, why should they be categorized, he wondered.
Opposition Leader K.S. Eshwarappa intervened and spoke of a recent rally organised by the pontiff of Swarnavalli mutt against the taking over of temples by the muzarai department. He said Mr Lamani should consider himself lucky since he had the muzarai portfolio and the blessings of gods and goddesses.
Mr Basangouda Patil Yatnal of BJP said there was a strong feeling that those who become muzarai minister lose elections. Mr Lamani hastened to add that he had been honestly discharging his duty and 'God' would certainly help him to win the coming Assembly polls.
A few Congress leaders wondered why Mr Eshwarappa did not opt for the portfolio during BJP rule to which he replied that he had never asked for any portfolio and they had all come to him without he exercising any influence.
