The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on what it calls “anti-Hindu and leftist forces” for orchestrating a deliberate propaganda campaign to malign the sacred Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and its revered traditions.
On August 17, a high-level BJP delegation led by state party president B.Y. Vijayendra visited Dharmasthala, offered prayers to Bhagwan Manjunathaswamy, and held discussions with Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. Accompanied by several MPs, MLAs, Legislative Council members, and senior leaders, the delegation condemned what they described as a systematic conspiracy aimed at defaming Dharmasthala under the guise of an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
Vijayendra slams the government for its silence
Addressing the media, Vijayendra said, “The BJP welcomed the SIT investigation right from the beginning. However, we have consistently demanded that the government table the interim report in the Assembly. Instead of transparency, what we are witnessing is propaganda and vilification being freely spread in the media and on social platforms.”
He further alleged that District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao’s remarks about “pressure from leftist groups” and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s statement about a “larger conspiracy” behind the case point to the government’s failure. “If the government itself admits there is conspiracy, why has it not acted against those spreading this propaganda? By remaining silent, the Congress government has committed a grave crime against Hindu society and millions of devotees of Dharmasthala. The Chief Minister must apologise to the people of Karnataka and India,” Vijayendra demanded.
Allegations of a fabricated case
For several weeks, allegations have been circulated regarding the alleged burial of unidentified bodies in Dharmasthala village. Despite the SIT digging pits at 17 different sites, no bodies or credible evidence were found. Yet, according to BJP leaders, baseless news continues to circulate.
“The case itself is fabricated. This is not an investigation but an attempt to create mistrust in the minds of devotees towards Sri Manjunathaswamy and Annappaswamy. It is a larger plan to weaken Hindu faith and attack revered Hindu institutions,” Vijayendra alleged.
He also called for an inquiry into the background of the complainant and those spreading misinformation online. “This propaganda is not accidental. It is well-planned and organised. There should be accountability for those responsible,” he said.
Opposition leaders echo concerns
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, echoed similar concerns, terming the issue a “deliberate plot” to malign the image of Dharmasthala and hurt the sentiments of Hindus across the state. Several MPs, including Captain Brijesh Chowta, and MLAs such as Harish Poonja, Bhagirathi Murulya, Vedavyas Kamath, and Yashpal Suvarna, joined Vijayendra in condemning the “orchestrated propaganda.”
Legislative Council member C.T. Ravi warned that such repeated attacks on Hindu institutions would be resisted both politically and socially. “The silence of the Congress government is not neutrality, it is complicity,” he remarked.
‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ protest
On August 16, BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath had organised a massive ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ protest, with more than 400 cars of supporters arriving at the shrine. Welcomed with a shower of flowers, the protesters raised slogans of “Defeat for lies, victory for dharma.”
Addressing the gathering, Vishwanath thundered, “This is nothing but an anti-Hindu conspiracy. They want to break the faith of devotees in Bhagwan Manjunathaswamy. Rationalists and pseudo-secularists are behind this propaganda. While the government may give its punishment, divine punishment will be far greater. Let Manjunathaswamy himself punish those who insult faith.”
