Why Did Karnataka BJP Welcome the SIT Probe into Dharmasthala Mass Grave Allegations?

Bengaluru, July 21 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has expressed its support for the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations surrounding mass graves in Dharmasthala. Nonetheless, the party cautioned against the dissemination of false information regarding the revered Hindu site.

During a press briefing, R. Ashoka, the Opposition Leader in the assembly, praised the state government for its decision to create an SIT in light of claims about numerous bodies purportedly discovered near Dharmasthala. He condemned the act of spreading misinformation about the Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple.

Ashoka remarked that the SIT was initiated following an anonymous accusation regarding the burial of hundreds of bodies in the Dharmasthala region. He insisted on a fair investigation, stressing that the inquiry should not aim to wrongfully implicate anyone.

He highlighted that Dharmasthala is a significant religious site for millions of Hindus across South India, akin to Tirupati. “A Muslim youth has been posting videos on social media about Dharmasthala, prompting intervention from the Kerala government,” he noted.

Ashoka further mentioned that the Kerala government's approach to issues concerning temples, such as the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, is well documented. He stated that if any homicide has occurred, it would fall under local police investigation.

He argued that if any bodies were indeed discovered, the victims' families would have lodged complaints, and the government should clarify how many such cases exist. Deaths near religious sites like temples, churches, and mosques generally prompt police inquiries. He questioned the sudden emergence of such claims after a period of 20 years, asserting that generating controversy to demean a religion is intolerable.

Ashoka emphasized that this issue is unrelated to the Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple in Dharmasthala; yet, misinformation continues to circulate about the sacred site.

He insisted that if an individual has committed a wrongdoing, accusations should be directed at that person rather than tarnishing an entire religious institution. The SIT should not be burdened with additional responsibilities, and it must conduct a thorough investigation to ensure accountability for the guilty, Ashoka stated.

This incident pertains to individuals, not the Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple in Dharmasthala. No one should attack the temple. D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister, is a devoted believer and should act in accordance with divine will. Speaking disparagingly about the Dharmasthala temple is inappropriate, and such remarks do not befit any minister, Ashoka added.

On the topic of Greater Bengaluru, Ashoka noted that the court has instructed the government to respond, yet no progress is being made. Garbage is accumulating, hospital salaries remain unpaid, and teachers are being terminated, he remarked.

Instead of advancing Bengaluru, the government seems focused on establishing five municipal corporations. Taxes are proliferating, and issues with e-Khata are causing property registrations to stall. Ashoka accused the government of forming these corporations for political gain. He affirmed that the BJP will vehemently oppose any attempts to destabilize Bengaluru and will address this issue in the forthcoming Assembly session.

As a result of BJP's protests regarding the Mysuru Urban Development (MUDA) scam, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has returned the allotted sites, acknowledging his error. The BJP will persist in its fight against the MUDA scam, he concluded.