Is the Karnataka Government Trying to Defame Dharmasthala?

Bengaluru, Aug 18 (NationPress) The BJP on Monday accused the Karnataka government of attempting to tarnish the reputation of Dharmasthala by establishing a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged mass grave case, and for failing to address the rampant social media speculation surrounding the issue. The Legislative Assembly was suspended after the remarks ignited intense exchanges between BJP and Congress members.

In response to Home Minister G. Parameshwara's comments regarding the mass grave case, BJP State General Secretary and MLA, V. Sunil Kumar, asserted that certain factions are working to damage the reputation of Dharmasthala, alleging that the state government shares these intentions.

Congress representatives firmly opposed this statement and expressed their dissent.

Speaker U.T. Khader ordered that the allegations against the government be stricken from the official record. However, Sunil Kumar protested, insisting that his remarks be included in the proceedings.

Sunil Kumar further claimed that the investigation was being conducted at the behest of the Congress high command. As tensions escalated, Speaker Khader called for an adjournment of the session.

Earlier, Sunil Kumar stated, “We anticipated the government would address the concerns of the public. We have no issue with the formation of the SIT. But what measures have been taken regarding the social media propaganda? There are numerous masked individuals behind the unknown complainant. Has this been investigated?”

“Those who demanded the investigation should also be scrutinized. Is the SIT only acting on the orders of this masked individual?” he questioned.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, reacting to Home Minister Parameshwara’s comments on the mass grave case, remarked, “I attended the session without having lunch, eager to hear his reply. Similarly, millions in Karnataka were waiting for the investigation details to be disclosed. Nothing has surfaced. Even Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, your own Cabinet colleague, has indicated there is a conspiracy against Dharmasthala, while Parameshwara maintains a diplomatic stance that nothing is amiss.”

“The crucial question is, under what influence was the SIT established to investigate the mass grave case? Which progressive thinkers visited the CM’s residence prior to this directive? HM Parameshwara merely recited what was provided to him in writing,” he added.

“You assert that the truth will be revealed, but the damaging campaign against Dharmasthala has already begun. How many will view your statement? Where did the unknown complainant obtain the skull? Did he seek permission to exhume it? Why hasn’t the government questioned this?” Ashoka charged.

He maintained that had the government investigated the origin of the skull, the actual story would have emerged.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil urged LoP Ashoka not to make statements merely for publicity.

HM Parameshwara replied, “One must wait until the investigation is complete. We cannot take actions based solely on demands made in the session.”

Ashoka countered, “How many cases has the government formed an SIT for? The reputation of Dharmasthala is already tarnished. The government has ignored this. What group is operating behind this?”

Dy CM Shivakumar stated, “Even the Chief Minister holds Dharmasthala in high regard. If anyone has lied, strict action will be taken. A responsible officer has been appointed to lead the SIT. Each year, CM Siddaramaiah visits Dharmasthala for naturopathy treatment. Based on media reports urging the truth to emerge, the probe has commenced. Exercise patience. We are addressing it. Action will be strict. We know how to handle this legally. Just wait for three to four days.”

When Ashoka pressed him regarding the conspiracy aspect, Shivakumar replied that the investigation would reveal all. “With evidence and documentation, those accountable will be exposed,” he assured.

Suresh Kumar criticized Parameshwara for “hiding more than he revealed” in the Assembly. “The BJP welcomed the formation of the SIT. Yet, while the Chief Minister and Home Minister initially claimed it was unnecessary, they established it the following day. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao admitted that the SIT was formed due to Leftist pressure,” he remarked.

“There are rumors and a social media trial underway. Inflammatory language is being used, and it is distressing. There exists a nexus directing the government; Kerala politicians are setting the agenda. It is an unholy alliance,” Suresh Kumar alleged.

“The government is excavating locations that weren't even marked during mapping. It has offended the sentiments of the populace,” he added.

Parameshwara countered, “Doesn’t the law prevail in this land? Are we conducting the investigation outside the legal framework? The inquiry is limited to the complainant’s statement before the court. Nothing beyond that has been explored. I will not succumb to any pressure in this matter as long as I serve as Home Minister. If a conspiracy exists, it will be uncovered in the investigation. If the unknown complainant is at fault, that too will be revealed.”