Did the BJP delegation demand an apology from CM over the mass grave case?

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Aug 17 (NationPress) Leaders from the BJP, including MLAs, MPs, and MLCs, arrived at the Dharmasthala pilgrimage centre on Sunday morning to pay their respects to Lord Manjunatha Swamy as part of the 'Dharmasthala Chalo' initiative, which aims to denounce the ongoing misinformation regarding the alleged mass grave case.

This group engaged in discussions with Dharmadhikari and BJP Rajya Sabha member D. Veerendra Heggade to review the latest developments concerning the mass grave allegations.

The BJP has called for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to issue a public apology to millions of devotees, criticizing the government for its failure to address the spreading propaganda. They also urged Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to uncover the supposed conspiracy against Dharmasthala.

The delegation was spearheaded by BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra. The party initiated the ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ campaign on Saturday, condemning the relentless misinformation being circulated in light of the mass grave allegations. A contingent of BJP leaders, led by Yelahanka MLA S.R. Vishwanath, traveled to Dharmasthala from Bengaluru in a convoy of 300 vehicles.

Among those visiting the temple were the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP MPs, coastal region MLAs, MLCs, and various state and district officials.

In his media address in Dharmasthala, Vijayendra stated, “I implore Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to apologize to the people of the state for not curbing the false propaganda. We are not politicizing this matter; rather, we are addressing a conspiracy aimed at damaging the religious sentiments of millions who revere Lord Manjunatha and Annappa Swamy of Dharmasthala.”

He further noted, “The media should pay attention to two key points. First, Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Mangaluru District In-Charge Minister, mentioned that the SIT was established under pressure from leftist groups. Secondly, D.K. Shivakumar has himself acknowledged that a significant conspiracy is at play regarding the mass grave case.”

“We are here because a defamatory campaign is being conducted under the guise of an investigation. The state government was responsible for stopping this propaganda, and by failing to do so, they have committed an offense,” he remarked.

“What is the response from the Congress-led government to Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's claim that the SIT was formed due to leftist pressure, and to D.K. Shivakumar's assertion of a conspiracy against Dharmasthala?” Vijayendra questioned.

“I reiterate that the BJP is not politicizing the Dharmasthala issue. However, what about the conspiracy that threatens millions of devotees, and why is the state government remaining passive? D.K. Shivakumar has assured that the conspiracy will be exposed in due course. When will this happen? How long will the false propaganda persist?” Vijayendra continued.

“The people of the state are demanding answers. The state government should respond. Those making allegations, along with the forces behind them, should also be scrutinized,” he urged.

“As D.K. Shivakumar holds a significant role, and claims to be a devoted follower of Lord Manjunatha, he should promptly reveal the conspiracy and identify those responsible,” he challenged.

“Had the BJP intended to politicize this issue, we wouldn’t have waited until now. Millions of devotees are suffering. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has stated that leftist forces are involved. This warrants investigation,” he reiterated when answering a question.

“I cannot dictate the investigation process, but the state government should present the interim findings. This chaos must come to an end,” he emphasized.

The BJP leaders reaffirmed their support for the SIT probe from the outset, insisting that the government should present the interim report in the Assembly and thoroughly investigate the misinformation surrounding the sacred site.

“We have consulted with Veerendra Heggade, who also expressed his support for the SIT investigation. Although he refrained from commenting on the social media misinformation, he is deeply affected. Our primary goal is to safeguard Hindu traditions and ensure the sentiments of millions of devotees remain intact,” Vijayendra stated.

The BJP confirmed its backing for a transparent SIT investigation. “Our position has always been that doubts must be clarified. However, throughout the investigation, false propaganda continues to proliferate, creating confusion on social media,” Vijayendra added.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy stated, “We have met Veerendra Heggade, who feels hurt by the ongoing events. The devotees of Dharmasthala share this anguish. The reality is that nothing has been discovered here, and the allegations are baseless. Devotees believe this is a conspiracy, with the state government colluding with leftist forces. We will not tolerate efforts to tarnish the reputation of Dharmasthala or hurt its devotees. This is why we are here. We stand firmly with the Dharmasthala pilgrimage centre.”