50,000 Archakas Appeal to Karnataka CM to Hand Muzrai Department to Ramalinga Reddy

Priests Seek Ramalinga Reddy’s Return

More than 50,000 priests serving in nearly 35,000 Muzrai temples have come together to urge the Karnataka government to once again entrust the department to senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy. Their demand was voiced during a state-level convention organized by the Karnataka State Association of Archakas, Agamikas, and Employees of Muzrai Temples.

Rather than seeking fresh financial assistance or new welfare schemes, the priests praised Reddy’s previous tenure, saying it brought meaningful reforms that strengthened temple administration and improved the welfare of archakas.

Responding to the appeal, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar acknowledged the priests’ request and expressed his willingness to consider the proposal. He stated that while the party had earlier decided on assigning Reddy a different portfolio, he was prepared to discuss handing over the Muzrai Department if that was the collective wish of the priest community.

Reforms Remembered

The demand comes at a time when cabinet portfolios remain a topic of political discussion. However, representatives of the priests’ association insist their appeal is based solely on Reddy’s record in office rather than political considerations.

According to Agama scholar Srivatsa, president of the association, Reddy’s tenure marked a significant shift in the department’s functioning. Instead of limiting its focus to the management of temple assets, the department gave greater importance to priest welfare, temple conservation, and administrative improvements.

During his tenure, the government reportedly allocated around ₹1,461 crore for the renovation and development of temples across Karnataka. The funds were used to restore temple structures, improve facilities for devotees, and support infrastructure upgrades. Reddy was also credited with helping secure land ownership for nearly 350 temples by ensuring the properties were officially registered in the names of the presiding deities.

The association further noted that one of his key achievements was initiating the establishment of a permanent headquarters for the Muzrai Department, addressing a long-pending requirement for dedicated administrative infrastructure.