Did the K’taka government act irresponsibly in the Dharmasthala case?

Bengaluru, Aug 13 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Prahlad Joshi accused the Karnataka government of acting “highly irresponsibly” regarding the handling of the Dharmasthala case.

Joshi asserted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is now shifting his narrative, as no significant findings have emerged from the supposed burial sites.

He noted that Siddaramaiah, who initiated the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and mandated the investigation, is now asserting that the government bears no responsibility.

“Was it not you who quickly established the SIT and ordered the excavation? Among the 13 sites explored in Dharmasthala, only soil has been disturbed thus far. No concrete evidence or human remains, as alleged by an anonymous complainant, have been discovered,” he stated.

He further criticized, claiming that Siddaramaiah is now distancing the government from the Dharmasthala investigation to protect its reputation.

Joshi questioned if it is feasible to create the SIT in the Dharmasthala case without the Chief Minister's involvement. Instead of conducting a thorough police investigation, he accused the government of merely digging and moving soil.

Dharmasthala, with its rich history, is a sacred site frequented by millions daily. Joshi condemned the state government for undermining public trust, labeling its actions as extremely irresponsible and deserving of strong condemnation.

In response to Siddaramaiah's remark during the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting that the “government has no role in the Dharmasthala investigation,” he retorted, “Was it not Siddaramaiah who himself established the Special Investigation Team (SIT)?”

Regarding the anonymous allegation of human bodies being buried at 13 sites in the dense forests near the Netravathi Ghats, Joshi criticized that despite the SIT's formation amid ongoing discussions, no evidence has surfaced at the excavation sites. Now, the CM’s statement that “the government has no role in the investigation” is both tragic and condemnable.

Karnataka BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra declared on Wednesday that party legislators will visit the temple town of Dharmasthala on August 17 to seek the blessings of Lord Manjunatheshwara.

He also indicated that the SIT investigation into the mass grave allegations at Dharmasthala should reach a conclusion shortly.

This development carries significance amid the ongoing inquiry into the mass grave case at Dharmasthala.

Detailing the visit to the pilgrimage center, Vijayendra stated, “Next Sunday, August 17, we will visit Dharmasthala with all senior legislators and MLCs. We will have darshan of Lord Manjunatheshwara and return. Our visit to Dharmasthala is as devotees of Lord Manjunatha, not as BJP party members.”