Will the Congress's 'Dharma Vijaya Yatra' in Karnataka Counter the BJP's Campaigns?

Mysuru, Sep 3 (NationPress) In response to the BJP's ongoing 'Dharmasthala Yatra' initiatives condemning an alleged plot against the Hindu pilgrimage site, the Congress party commenced the 'Dharma Vijaya Yatra' on Wednesday. This yatra supports the Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala temple and BJP Rajya Sabha member Veerendra Heggade.

The event was inaugurated by former minister and six-time MLA Tanveer Sait in Mysuru city. A large gathering of party leaders and supporters, spearheaded by Congress MLA K. Harish Gowda, embarked on the journey to Dharmasthala in a convoy of numerous vehicles.

After initiating the yatra, MLA Tanveer Sait addressed the media, stating, "The BJP's multiple yatras to Dharmasthala are merely a damage-control tactic, motivated by their fear of being implicated in a conspiracy. Today marks our party's commitment to the 'Dharma Rakshana Yatra'. I wish all participants safe travels to Dharmasthala."

He continued, "We aim to unveil the truth to the people of our state. Genuine devotion cannot be reduced to mere theatrics. There are countless devotees, residing thousands of kilometers from the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, who worship Lord Manjunatha sincerely. Recent events have deeply affected the sentiments of the public. The investigation seeks to reveal the truth."

MLA Harish Gowda emphasized, "Our journey to Dharmasthala is pivotal. We’ve named this initiative the 'Dharma Vijaya Yatra'. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to safeguard the integrity of the Dharmasthala pilgrimage, ensuring that it remains free from slander. The SIT is currently probing those who conspired to tarnish the reputation of this sacred site."

He further stated, "Our government has demonstrated to both the state and the nation that no misconduct has occurred in Dharmasthala. This marks a significant victory for the SIT team and our administration, thereby justifying the title of our campaign, the 'Dharma Vijaya Yatra'."

When questioned about the BJP's accusations labeling the Congress-led government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as "anti-Hindu," MLA Harish Gowda replied, "The BJP has claimed ownership over Hinduism. Everyone gathered here identifies as Hindu. Our nation is secular, with individuals of all faiths - Sikhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism - coexisting peacefully. Religion must never incite discord in our country."

"KPCC Working President Tanveer Sait officially launched the yatra. This underscores our party's principles and objectives. We have consistently acted beyond caste and religious divisions. Approximately 2,000 individuals are participating in this yatra," MLA Gowda concluded.