Bengaluru, Aug 16 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding the investigation into the alleged mass graves in Dharmasthala, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserted on Saturday that the BJP is exploiting this matter for political purposes. He posed a critical question to the Opposition: Why did the BJP remain silent when the complaint was first lodged in court and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established?

While addressing the media at his residence in Bengaluru, he expressed, “The BJP did not raise any concerns when the masked complainant submitted a petition. Now, they are using this situation to engage in political maneuvering. The BJP treats Hindutva as if it were their own family asset. Their interest in Dharmasthala is merely for political leverage, not out of genuine affection,” he remarked.

When questioned about the BJP delegation's visit to Dharmasthala, Shivakumar responded, “Initially, the BJP had nothing to say. Now they are politicizing the situation. They believe Hindutva is theirs to claim, but it is about the faith and devotion of the people. For the BJP, it’s simply about politics.”

He reiterated, “Why did the BJP choose to remain quiet when the masked complainant filed the case? Why didn’t they dismiss his complaint as unfounded? They failed to object when the SIT was set up. In contrast, we believe that politics should not interfere with Dharmasthala.”

“Our priority is to safeguard the sanctity of Dharmasthala. Anyone found guilty must face consequences. If the government had not acted after a petition was filed, the BJP would have criticized us for it. They are now engaging in political tactics, but we will maintain our composure,” Shivakumar stated.

On the call for a narco test on the masked complainant, he commented, “They can demand whatever they wish regarding this matter — a narco test or any other form of inquiry. That is not unreasonable. Those who initially welcomed the SIT investigation are now contradicting themselves. It is for the investigators to determine how many pits to excavate and when to cease. We should not interfere with their duties.”

When asked about BJP leaders endorsing his earlier comments on conspiracy, he replied, “I spoke from my own experiences. However, I do not intend to interfere with a government investigation. While BJP legislators may have spoken in the Assembly, our MLAs were vocal for Dharmasthala within the Legislature from the outset.”

“Local Congress leaders approached us early on to discuss the matter. No one in the government has suggested that this issue should not be addressed. Our Chief Minister has assured that no injustice will occur. The investigation will proceed according to the law. Should anyone disseminate false information, they will face legal repercussions. The individual backing this campaign has even gone so far as to label the Chief Minister a murderer. Did you report on that? We possess all that information,” Shivakumar asserted.

When questioned about halting the excavation, he replied, “I won’t interfere in the investigation. The Home Minister is responsible for this aspect, and he will make the decision. We gather intelligence from various sources; relying solely on police reports is not necessary.”

Regarding the passing of Sri Chandrashekar Swamiji from the Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamsthana, he commented, “Chandrashekar Swamiji was a revered figure in our community. He served diligently for 25 years before recently passing the torch to a younger Swamiji. I pray for his soul's peace.”

When asked if Chandrashekar Swamiji had blessed him to become Chief Minister, Shivakumar shared, “He blessed me with a pure heart, and I hold him in high esteem.”

Earlier, Deputy CM Shivakumar mentioned, “The government is contemplating actions against those who have lied and spread misinformation regarding the Dharmasthala case.”

The situation has taken a political turn with the SIT failing to uncover substantial evidence, despite excavating 17 sites over 14 days in Dharmasthala. This investigation was prompted by claims from an unidentified lower-caste Hindu man who alleged he had buried numerous bodies of women, girls, and children, mostly victims of sexual violence in Dharmasthala.