Saints and Sadhus in Kashi stage protest, ask municipal corporation to exempt monasteries and temples from taxes

The issue of the municipal corporation levying taxes on temples and monasteries in the holy city of Kashi is escalating.

Angered by the corporation’s decision, dozens of saints and sadhus gathered at the Patalpuri Math in Narhipura on Wednesday to express their displeasure and stage a protest.

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Jagadguru Balakdevacharya stated that the municipal corporation has sent notices demanding tax payments. He added that the saints and sages of Kashi will not tolerate this decision at any cost and that the corporation should withdraw it immediately

Mahant Jagdishwar Das said that for the past several days, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation has been issuing notices to the monasteries and temples of Kashi for property tax, water tax, and land tax.

He said that no taxes are levied on mosques and madrassas and that mullahs are even paid salaries. He further said that taxes are being imposed on places where activities related to Sanatan Dharma and culture take place, including institutions imparting Sanskrit education and Vedic teachings. He claimed that the government remains silent and that some officials are attempting to tarnish the government’s policies. He warned that the corporation has been given three days to withdraw the decision, failing which a nationwide movement would be launched against it.

Saint Krishna Devdas Ji said that they have been asked to pay the taxes within fifteen days. “Saints live on alms and offer food to the deities. After the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, saints and sadhus from all corners of India come here. They also stay in the monasteries. Their arrangements are made by the monasteries. Now that the corporation is levying taxes, resentment is growing everywhere,” he added.

Mayor Ashok Tiwari stated that keeping in mind the religious and cultural dignity of Kashi and the public interest, instructions have been given to exempt all public places of worship, charitable trusts, and schools in the municipal area from general tax (house tax). The Municipal Commissioner clarified that this exemption is being given in accordance with the provisions mentioned in Section 177 of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1959.