Is the Modi government Supporting Dharmadhikari Amid Dharmasthala Murders?

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Sep 1 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration stands resolutely with the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Veerendra Heggade, in light of the alleged misinformation being circulated against him and the temple town regarding the mass grave case. Heggade is also a BJP Rajya Sabha member.

Speaking at the large 'Dharmasthala Chalo' rally in Dharmasthala, Joshi remarked on Monday, “Respected Khavandare (a title for Veerendra Heggade), regardless of the circumstances or actions of others, you possess the blessings of Lord Annappa and Lord Manjunatha. You are the cornerstone for millions of Hindu devotees. Moreover, you have the unwavering support of the government led by Prime Minister Modi.

“The society must dismiss those who act against Hindus. Why does the Congress party target Dharmasthala? Historically, the Congress has consistently opposed Hindus and engaged in appeasement politics. It is in the DNA of the Congress party to alienate Hindu society while favoring appeasement,” Joshi alleged.

“They attempted the same at Shani Shingnapur and Sabarimala, trying to undermine Hindu devotion. Now they have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Dharmasthala case. We welcome the SIT probe; however, why didn’t the ruling Congress leaders first interrogate the 'mask man,' who initiated the complaint? He should have been questioned about the origin of the skull he presented initially,” Joshi criticized.

“If anyone exhumed a corpse, a Magistrate's consent is a must. When preparations were made for a narco-analysis test on the complainant, the state government, within a day, transferred the case to the SIT and appointed three IPS officers.

“Will you dare to interfere in the affairs of other communities? If I make an accusation today, will you conduct excavations? Do you believe that there are no individuals from the Hindu community who will question you? You excavated at 17 supposed burial sites without pause. Only when the public began to express their discontent with your government did you stop,” Joshi charged.

“This is a complete conspiracy. For 35 to 40 years, despite numerous attempts, Congress has failed to stifle the BJP and the Hindutva movement in coastal Karnataka. Now they aim to target temples and religious figures to undermine Hindutva. This is an insidious plot. Since the days of Partition, Congress has sided with a specific section of society. For Congress, it is about appeasement, for appeasement, and only appeasement,” Joshi asserted.

“Dharmasthala is not venerated by just one demographic. Devotees from various districts in north Karnataka, many from marginalized communities, consistently visit Dharmasthala, shave their heads, and seek the blessings of Lords Manjunatha and Annappa. The intent is to weaken their faith and showcase the controversy on a national platform. This is a conspiracy,” Joshi concluded.