Bangalore: Praying for rains has begun in Karnataka, following a government order to 34,000 temples to do special pujas and havans to invoke the rain god Varuna at a cost of Rs 17 crore. Call it a coincidence that the gods are listening to the monsoon-mantras, but the clouds have opened up to some extent it seems.

Karnataka is seeing some rainfall on Friday. The BJP government has sanctioned a total of Rs 17 crore for 34,000 temples across Karnataka, which means each temple get Rs 5,000 for holding “special prayers” for rain.

The circular forwarded to temples by the Department of Revenue drew flak from the Opposition which argued that the money meant for the rituals could have been utilised for providing relief work instead.

The BJP government has been under fire from various quarters for indulging in politics that resulted in the appointment of a new Chief Minister, Jagadish Shettar just weeks back, instead of focusing on the much more serious issue of drought.

The government, however, defended its act saying it is most important to chant the Varuna Mantra for the welfare of the drought-hit state where there is no water for people, cattle or crops.