BJP accuses Congress govt. of ‘smear campaign' against Dharmasthala, Heggade

The Hindu

11 hours ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday questioned the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was conducting a probe into the alleged case of mass burials at Dharmasthala and accused the Congress government of a 'smear campaign' against the Dharmasthala temple and its pattadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade.
Former Minister V. Sunil Kumar, who initiated the debate in the Legislative Assembly, alleged that under the pretext of the probe, the government had 'hatched a conspiracy' to spread falsehood against Hindu dharma and the place.
Not a single FIR had been filed despite hundreds of social media posts 'slandering' the temple, Shri Manjunatha Swamy, and Dr. Heggade, he said, and questioned the government's silence.
There had been a deliberate smear campaign by certain individuals and the government's apparent sympathy towards them has raised suspicion, the BJP leader claimed.
Stating that no one was opposing justice for Soujanya, who was murdered in 2012, he said some YouTubers, in the name of freedom of expression, were attacking religious beliefs.
The BJP member questioned the government's 'agenda' behind the probe and suspected the role of the INDIA bloc and the Congress high command in the entire episode.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok, members S. Suresh Kumar, Araga Jnanendra, B.Y. Vijayendra, Harish Poonja, S.R. Vishwanath, Aravind Bellad (all BJP), and Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal spoke against the government and demanded continuation of SIT probe to identify the people, organisations, and alleged source of funding behind the 'smear campaign' against the temple.
Mr. Suresh Kumar claimed the SIT had 'no common sense' and it has been dancing to the tunes of the complainant. Mr. Ashok claimed there was 'a gang' behind the complaint and it had put pressure on the Chief Minister to order the probe.
Terming the mask-wearing person (the complainant) as 'Spiderman' who had been enjoying all privileges and was provided security, he said lakhs of taxpayers' money had been spent on the digging. He demanded a NIA probe to nab groups supporting the complainant and sponsoring the 'smear campaign'.
Mr. Poonja, who represents Belthangady, demanded that the SIT report be made public. Mr. Jnanendra said the police should have conducted a preliminary probe of the complainant before starting the digging. Mr. Yatnal warned a 'Ayodhya-like movement will be launched' if the government did not stop.
All BJP members demanded a halt on the social media posts, a narco test of the complainant, and tabling of the interim probe report.
SIT probe aimed at revealing truth: Home Minister
In reply to the Opposition's remarks against the government, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the probe 'should not take a political or a dharmic turn.'
In a terse reply to the Opposition, he said: 'We have not formed SIT under any pressure. The probe is aimed at unearthing the truth and ensuring justice. We have huge respect for Dharmasthala.'
The government has given a free hand to the SIT and action would be taken against any persons who launch false campaigns.
He noted the rural development and women empowerment projects, education provided to lakhs of students by trusts headed by the pattadhikari and asked BJP members: 'Don't you need a probe for Dr. Heggade to come clean? Truth will come out as per the framework of the law.'
The Home minister is expected to provide a detailed reply on Monday.