Did the Govt Collaborate with Divisive Forces to Discredit Dharmasthala?

Bengaluru, Aug 14 (NationPress) The BJP accused the Karnataka government on Thursday of collaborating with divisive elements to tarnish the reputation of Dharmasthala, a revered pilgrimage site, in relation to the alleged mass graves incident.

During a session in the Legislative Assembly under Rule 69, BJP State General Secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar made pointed allegations against the government.

"The Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is involved in this matter. What ties do they have to Dharmasthala? Statements are being made about bringing JCBs to invade Dharmasthala and the temple itself.

"For the last two months, a deliberate campaign has been ongoing against Hindu sentiments, while the government remains silent. With whom have you allied to execute this conspiracy?" Sunil Kumar challenged.

"Do you believe you can toy with Hindu religious sentiments at will? What is the agenda of the Congress-led government? An anonymous complainant, referred to as the ‘mask man,’ arrived with a skull on July 11. Subsequently, on July 16, Home Minister G. Parameshwara met Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh and announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on July 19. Is this part of the Congress high command's strategy to defame Dharmasthala? Is it a conspiracy by the INDIA bloc?" he asserted.

"Dharmasthala is a sacred site. Every household in Karnataka holds reverence for this holy place and Lord Manjunatha. It is customary for people to visit this location at least once annually," he emphasized.

"In recent months, there has been a systematic propaganda campaign targeting it. Continuous assaults on religious beliefs aim to erode faith. Many feel that the Congress-led government is sympathetic to those waging this malicious campaign," Sunil Kumar charged.

"When the DJ Halli and KG Halli violence erupted in Bengaluru, a group set fire to a police station and the sitting MLA’s house over a single post that offended their religion. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended those involved in the violence, saying their religious feelings were hurt. In the case of Dharmasthala, how should the public respond?" Sunil Kumar questioned.

"The Karnataka police are filing suo motu cases against communal posts, while BJP members have been detained for sharing a post about the Ramayana. Why has there been no FIR despite such a malicious campaign? The attempts being made are not for justice but to harm religious sentiments," he claimed.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded, asserting, "I have faith in Lord Manjunatha of Dharmasthala and the family managing the temple. This is where the tradition of feeding lakhs of devotees commenced.

"Don't associate the events surrounding the investigation with the Congress party. More than the BJP, we are committed to maintaining the temple town's image intact. Our government prioritizes safeguarding the philosophy of service and religious work at Dharmasthala."

Dy CM Shivakumar added that the individual had approached the court and the government was compelled to take action. "We care more than you about preserving the integrity of this religious site," he said.

Suresh Kumar commented, "Your words and actions are disconnected. Your government claims the SIT was unnecessary, yet establishes it the very next day. Your actions follow wherever the anonymous complainant leads, conducting excavations without reason."

Sunil Kumar concluded with a call to action: "File an FIR against the malicious campaign to demonstrate your commitment. Release an official statement regarding the investigation's findings. Across 17 districts, citizens are taking to the streets. Act before the situation spirals out of control."