Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned the motives of BJP leaders who recently held a 'Dharma Samavesha' (religious congregation) in Dharmasthala. He criticized the party for demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the Sowjanya case, even as some of their prominent leaders have reportedly met with both the victim's family and the Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Veerendra Heggade, who has been in connection with the case.
Addressing the media in Mysuru, the Chief Minister said, "On one hand, BJP leaders are going to Sowjanya's house, demanding justice for her. On the other, they're meeting with Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade and supporting him. The BJP leaders who gathered in large numbers for the 'Dharmasthala Chalo' protest whose side are they on?"
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Siddaramaiah also raised concerns about the demand for a central agency probe, noting that the CBI is under the control of the central government. "An SIT investigation is already underway and is in the stages of submitting its report. How is it right for BJP leaders to suddenly demand that the case go to the Supreme Court now?" he asked.
He further clarified that the ultimate decision to seek a reinvestigation rests with Sowjanya's mother and family. They have the right to approach a higher court if they wish. Responding to B.Y. Vijayendra, the CM questioned the BJP's dual stance, asking whose side they truly represent.
The Chief Minister dismissed the 'Dharma Yatra' as a politically motivated event. He accused the BJP of losing faith in the police, noting that they did not demand an NIA probe when the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, but are doing so now. He also called out Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka for allegedly making inconsistent statements, saying, "What he said in the Assembly is different from what he's saying now. They're making false accusations and changing their statements every day."
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