Seers of Dalit, backward class mutts refute 30% ‘cut’ charge

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: A set of seers belonging to Dalit and backward class mutts have denied the allegation that 30 per cent commission had to be paid to government officials to get funds released for the development of educational institutions run by them. “If that situation arises we prefer begging from people than seek alms from the government,” these seers remarked.

Recently, Sri Dingaleshwara Swamiji of Sri Fakireshwara Mutt, Shirahatti had charged that mutts have to pay 30 per cent commission to get funds released from the government. Officials openly demand the ‘cut,’ he had said and the allegation had created a storm in state politics with the opposition Congress Party launching a frontal attack on the BJP Government for not sparing even mutts from the ‘Commission raj.’

Reacting to this, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had asked the seer to furnish all details about officers who had approached him demanding 30 per cent commission so that an inquiry could be ordered to identify such persons. But the seer has so far not shared any details with the government.

Addressing a news conference, a delegation of seers of Dalit and backward class mutts said some seers are unable to see the financial assistance being given to mutts of oppressed classes by the government for academic development. So far, the issue of 30 per cent commission has not come to their notice and if that situation arises, they would reject the funds from the government. “We will seek alms and build our mutts”, they added.

They pointed out that all chief ministers from B.S.Yediyurappa till the incumbent CM Bommai had released grants for mutts and no officer or politician has put forth a demand for commission. “Our Okkuta has resolved to take the 30 per cent commission charge to the logical end. The statement of Sri Dingaleshwara Swamiji is far from the truth,” they asserted.

Sri Niranjanandapuri swamiji of Kanaka Gurupeeta, Kaginele and president of the Okkuta and Sri Basavamurthy Maaara Chennaiah Swamiji of Maadara Chennaiah Gurupeeta and general secretary of the Okkuta, have disputed the statement of Sri Dingaleshwara Swamiji and denied any kind of ‘commission’ to get funds released. Honorary president of the Okkuta Sri Purushotthamanandapuri swamiji of Bhagiratha Gurupeeta too backed them.