Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Backs Dharmasthala Temple Amid Mass Burial Controversy

Bengaluru: While the controversy over mass burial at Dharmasthala, temple town in coastal Karnataka is making international headlines, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has come out publicly in support of the temple and its administration Dr Veerendra Hegde.

Speaking at the Legislative Assembly here on Thursday, Shivakumar said that there was a huge conspiracy to defame the image of Dharmasthala.

“I believe in Dharmasthala and its administrative board. The Home minister will explain the reasons for forming an SIT. This place has lakhs of believers, let’s not politicise the issue,'' he said, replying to the questions raised by opposition leader R Ashok.

Ashok, who raked up the issue wanted the government to reveal the name of the masked man, who is claiming to have buried hundreds of bodies unauthorisedly in Dharmasthala. Just after this man lodged a complaint, the Congress government has formed SIT, without even getting the claims verified by Dakshina Kannada police,'' he said.

While the government is concealing his identity and the media calling him Bhima, his original name is said to be Chinnaiah, who has converted to Christianity. Though nothing has been found so far, defaming Lord Manjunatha is continuing in the name of getting justice to Soujanya. Neither Court, nor officer Pranav Mohanthy had asked for forming SIT, but the Congress government formed it. Which gang is behind this? Which gang is around Siddaramaiah?, Ashok questione.

Replying to Ashok, Shivakumar said: “Why would the Congress party intervene in this? Don’t drag the Congress high command into this. The Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala has been doing yeoman service, we have no doubt about it. Someone has alleged crimes due to an internal feud. When many complaints have come, the Home minister or the government can’t ignore them. We believe in the holiness of Dharmasthala more than you,” he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Shivakumar said, “A conspiracy is being hatched to destroy hundreds of years of legacy. It is not correct to tarnish someone just like that. It has all happened due to one complainant.”

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“Many members have spoken about this issue. I have told them that action must be taken against those who are misleading the investigation. The CM has also said that action must be taken against such people. I have information on this case. Dharma must not be tarnished. Culprits must be punished,” he added.

Asked about BJP’s allegation that the Congress was trying to tarnish the image of Dharmasthala, he said, “Congress party will not allow tarnishing the image of any religious place. We see everyone equally when it comes to religion.”