Will K'taka BJP Legislators Visit Dharmasthala?

Bengaluru, Aug 13 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra announced on Wednesday that a contingent of party legislators will travel to the holy town of Dharmasthala on Sunday (August 17) to seek blessings from Lord Manjunatheshwara.

He further stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the mass grave allegations should reach its conclusion promptly.

This development is particularly significant amid the ongoing investigation surrounding the mass grave case.

Vijayendra made these comments while participating in the hoisting of the National Flag as part of the “Har Ghar Tiranga” initiative at the residence of party worker Lakkaswamy in Maruthi Layout, Guttahalli, Bengaluru.

Regarding the upcoming visit, Vijayendra elaborated, “On Sunday, August 17, we will go to Dharmasthala accompanied by senior legislators and MLCs. We will pay our respects to Lord Manjunatheshwara and return. Our visit is as devotees, not merely as BJP members.”

When questioned about the controversy surrounding the SIT investigation into the murders at Dharmasthala, he remarked, “The BJP is clear on this matter. The SIT's investigation should be concluded swiftly. It cannot be prolonged. The truth must surface, and any confusion should be resolved immediately. There are discussions regarding the alleged involvement of the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and other anti-social factions in relation to the investigation.”

“We will visit Dharmasthala to seek the divine blessings,” he reiterated.

Asked whether the visit carries a political implication, Vijayendra affirmed, “Our purpose is to worship Annappa Swamy and Lord Manjunatheshwara.”

Reports indicate that at least 20 BJP legislators and senior leaders will join the pilgrimage to Dharmasthala, performing worship to counteract alleged propaganda aimed at tarnishing one of the principal Hindu pilgrimage sites. The BJP leaders are expected to travel from Bengaluru to Dharmasthala in approximately 200 vehicles along with their supporters.

Discussing the campaign, Vijayendra remarked, “The BJP Karnataka unit has launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, reaching out to households of party workers across villages, taluks, and district centers to promote the hoisting of the National Flag on every home. This initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party's National President J.P. Nadda, aiming to express love and dedication towards the nation.”

As part of this campaign, national flags were distributed to party workers in the Malleshwaram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru, represented by former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is examining the mass grave case, is set to commence the final phase of excavation at the 13th burial site on Wednesday. These developments are under close scrutiny, as no significant evidence has emerged during the past 13 days of excavation in the temple town of Dharmasthala.

This issue is also slated for discussion in the Assembly session, where the BJP will address attempts and conspiracies aimed at defaming the pilgrimage center Dharmasthala by an unidentified complainant.