Puttur, 26 September 2026: BJP will stage a protest in front of the Assistant Commissioner's office on September 29, seeking an inquiry into alleged irregularities, violations of rules and financial discrepancies in development work at the Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur.
BJP spokesperson Rajesh Bannur announced the protest at a press conference. He said the Religious Endowments Department should conduct a proper inquiry into the complaints submitted by the temple protection committee and devotees and take action against those found responsible.
He also called for measures to ensure that development works at the temple are carried out properly and according to the applicable rules.
Rajesh Bannur said the BJP would extend its full cooperation to development works at the temple. He also welcomed statements by temple management committee president Eshwar Bhat Panjigudde that development works were being undertaken with the blessings of Sri Mahalingeshwara and under the guidance of MLA Ashok Kumar Rai.
BJP questions approvals for development works
Rajesh Bannur alleged that certain development works were undertaken without the required permission from the Religious Endowments Department. He said permission from the department is required for development activities at the temple and alleged that some works were carried out without following the prescribed procedures. He also questioned the manner in which materials from structures removed from temple property were handled.
According to Rajesh Bannur, materials such as timber, doors, stones, windows and iron sheets from demolished houses should be properly accounted for. He also questioned the disposal of trees removed from the property.
Questions raised over audit figures
Rajesh Bannur referred to what he described as the temple's 2025 audit report and raised questions about certain expenditure entries. He referred to an amount of ₹40.32 lakh recorded under small expenses and questioned the details of the expenditure.
He also alleged that around ₹70 lakh had been drawn towards bills related to VIPs and priests, as well as JCB and Hitachi works. He questioned the procedure followed for awarding such work and called for the expenditure to be examined. Bannur also questioned the disposal of materials from structures that were removed as part of the development activities.
Seeks explanation over ₹1.48 lakh refreshment bill
Rajesh Bannur also raised questions about a ₹1.48 lakh refreshment bill relating to a renovation committee meeting. He said information obtained through the Right to Information process showed the expenditure and sought an explanation for the amount.
He also questioned monthly expenditure recorded under small expenses and demanded that the temple authorities provide details of how the money was spent. Rajesh Bannur said the complaints and documents should be examined through a fair inquiry and that the temple administration should provide clarification wherever necessary.
Questions renovation committee approval
Another issue raised by Rajesh Bannur was the status of the temple renovation committee. He claimed that the renovation committee had not received approval from the Religious Endowments Department as of September 24, 2026, while donations were allegedly being collected in the name of renovation. He also questioned the receipts issued for such collections.
Rajesh Bannur further raised questions about the construction of five platforms around the temple and the collection of funds for them, as well as the collection and tender process relating to funds for fireworks during the annual festival.
BJP seeks discussion with devotees
Rajesh Bannur said the BJP was not opposed to development works at the temple. He said changes and construction should be carried out according to the rules and after proper consultation. He also questioned the shifting of the Ayyappa shrine, Naga shrine and Navagraha shrine, alleging that the changes were made without proper consultation. He said devotees had raised objections over shifting the Ayyappa deity to the Sharada Bhajana Mandir and the subsequent arrangements for worship.
“The BJP has no objection to development works, but they should be carried out according to the rules,” Rajesh Bannur said. He urged the temple authorities to convene a meeting of devotees and consult them before taking further decisions on major development works.
BJP district secretary Vidya R. Gowri, City Mandal Mahila Morcha president Swarnalatha Hegde and Rural Mandal media in-charge Mahesh Rai Keri were present at the press conference.
Keywords: Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple, Puttur temple BJP protest, Puttur temple development works, Rajesh Bannur, Religious Endowments Department, Puttur temple allegations, Puttur Suddi, Puttur News Today, Citizen News Puttur