On August 17, 2025, Karnataka BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, along with MLAs and senior party leaders from the coastal region, visited Dharmasthala. The primary purpose of this visit was to offer prayers to Shri Manjunatha Swamy and seek the blessings of Dharmadhikari Dr. Veerendra Heggade. The visit aimed to uphold the sanctity of Dharmasthala while demonstrating the BJP's commitment to countering allegations and conspiracies against this revered religious center.
SIT Investigation: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe in Dharmasthala was initiated based on a complaint by a former sanitation worker, alleging murders, assaults, and secret burials over the past two decades. The investigation focuses on claims of bodies being buried in the forested areas along the banks of the Netravati River. After 16 days of exhumation, no significant evidence, such as human remains, was found, leading both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP to label the allegations as a "major conspiracy" to tarnish Dharmasthala’s reputation.
BJP's Demand: BJP MLAs have demanded that the interim SIT report be tabled in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. However, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has stated that no report will be released until the investigation is complete. Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar accused certain media outlets and social media platforms of spreading misinformation under the guise of the investigation, hurting religious sentiments.
Controversies Surrounding the Karnataka Government:
BJP's Criticism: The BJP has accused the Congress-led state government of misusing the SIT probe to defame Hindu religious centers like Dharmasthala. MLA Arvind Bellad criticized the government for allegedly providing "VIP treatment" to the complainant without subjecting them to proper scrutiny.
Congress' Response: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has claimed that the allegations are part of a larger conspiracy to damage Dharmasthala’s reputation. He emphasized that the investigation is a legal process and the government is committed to uncovering the truth.
Chief Minister’s Statement: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the SIT probe was ordered without any external pressure and that he was unaware of the allegations initially. He reiterated the government’s commitment to a fair investigation.
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The BJP’s visit carried both religious and political significance. Vijayendra emphasized that the visit was intended to uphold Dharmasthala’s dignity. Sources indicate that around 20 BJP MLAs and senior leaders, accompanied by supporters, traveled to Dharmasthala in approximately 200 vehicles.
The visit was also part of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, which involved hoisting the national flag at the homes of party workers, aligning religious reverence with national pride.
Demand for SIT Report Release:
The BJP has urged the state government to release the SIT report promptly to clear the confusion surrounding Dharmasthala. MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal demanded a narco-analysis test on the complainant and called for exposing those behind the alleged conspiracy.
Home Minister Parameshwara reiterated that the investigation is being conducted independently without any pressure. He noted that if the complainant’s allegations are proven false, action can be taken under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023.
Attendees: The visit included the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, MPs and MLAs from the coastal region, Legislative Council members, senior party leaders, and workers. While the name of the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council was not mentioned in the query, the current leader is Chalavadi T. Narayanaswamy.For further details, recent reports on the Dharmasthala SIT investigation can be reviewed. More clarity on the issue is expected once the SIT report is released.