While speaking to the media during the inauguration of a new building at PM Shri Karnataka Public School in Siddaramanahundi, Mysuru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of organizing a pilgrimage to Dharmasthala with political motives. He stated that such pilgrimages do not yield political gains and clarified that he holds immense respect for Dharmasthala.
On the same occasion, Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP's "Chamundi Betta Chalo" program, alleging that the party aims to strengthen Hindutva through this initiative. However, he argued that such political activities would not bolster Hindutva.
He further accused the BJP of politicizing the Dasara festival.In this context, Siddaramaiah condemned the BJP's pilgrimages to religious sites like Dharmasthala and Chamundi Hill as attempts to exploit people's religious sentiments for political gain.