Government order to offer poojas for rains is unconstitutional – Narendra Nayak

Government order to offer poojas for rains is unconstitutional – Narendra Nayak

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 21, 2012: The Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations has condemned the state government’s move of ordering temples all over Karnataka to conduct poojas for rains. The state has 37,000 temples, and the total cost of the poojas for rain will cost a total of Rs. 18.5 crore. 

 

Narendra Nayak, president of the federation, called the move “unconstitutional” in a recent press release, which also says that this is a colossal waste of public funds that could have been spent in alleviating hunger or in drought relief. 

On Friday, Muzrai Minister Kota Shrinivas Poojary said that the government has issued a circular to all 37,000 temples to offer poojas for rains. 

Mr. Nayak said that the Muzrai Minister is violating Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, which states that it is the duty of every citizen to develop scientific temper and the spirit of enquiry. He is not fit to be a minister under the Indian Constitution, which he ought to uphold, he added. 

He also challenged Mr. Poojary to conduct poojas in the Thar Desert in April and May and bring down the rains.