BANGALORE: In the past five years, the BJP has doled out several goodies to mutts — totalling over Rs 500 crore. The party may be expecting sweet returns in the forthcoming elections but the mutt heads are singing a different tune: that of being apolitical.

The largesse has come under severe criticism from the opposition, but the beneficiaries defend the largesse and dispute the claim that government money is intended to create a vote-bank among devotees.

“What’s wrong in the government giving money to mutts? But the government should ensure the money is spent on social causes. People may follow and abide by mutt diktats on various social issues, but it is foolish to think mutts direct people to vote for a particular party,’’ said Sri Channabasava Shivacharya Swamiji of the 600-year-old Harkud mutt in Bidar district.

Discarding the theory that mutts have their own vote-bank, the seer said: “Most mutts are aloof from politics. Followers of a particular mutt may revolt against a particular politician if he or she acts against the mutt’s interests. But this should not be generalized or construed as political influence of a mutt,’’ he explained.

Shivananda Shivacharya Swamiji of Sonna mutt in Gulbarga district endorses the Harkud seer. “There are many mutts in the state which are involved in the social and educational uplift of the people. If the government gives some money, it adds to the cause.’’ He detailed how his mutt is involved in imparting education and protecting traditional vocations in villages which are on the verge of extinction.

Asked if mutts influence voters, the seer said: “It’s not true. No mutt is involved in politics. These days, who listens to religious heads when it comes to politics?’’

Jayamrutnjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangama Panchamashali mutt believes they should primarily depend on followers for funds. However, he prefers giving money for the mutts’ social activities and renovation of temples.

Over Rs 500 crore in 5 years

Former CM BS Yeddyurappa was generous in giving donations to mutts and temples. An RTI query has revealed that he had granted close to Rs 300 crore in his 34-month tenure. His predecessors continued the practice.

In the 2012-13 budget, D V Sadananda Gowda released Rs 75 crore in grants to mutts and different communities. With elections around the corner, this year, Jagadish Shettar donned the role of Santa Claus and earmarked more than Rs 200 crore for religious institutions. Initially, he had earmarked Rs 182.5 crore for various caste denominations, including the Lingayat mutts. Before getting the budget passed in legislature, he doled out more goodies.

Earmarking funds for mutts is not the CM’s initiative, most legislators support it. It was no secret that legislators, especially those belonging to the BJP, made a representation to the CM and got funds allocated to mutts and organizations in their constituencies. The CM cited a few legislators and said he had made the allocations based on their request.

However, some opposition leaders are against giving money to mutts. “How can you call a budget good if it offers goodies to mutts? If we come to power in the next elections, we will present a new budget and discontinue the practice,’’ said a senior Congress leader.