Bengaluru
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding a public apology for what he described as the government’s mishandling of the Dharmasthala case. He alleged that the CM’s decision-making had created a negative perception among the people and hurt the sentiments of devotees of the revered religious institution.
Addressing reporters, Vijayendra said the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of multiple murders in Dharmasthala appeared to be influenced by “external forces.” He questioned the Chief Minister’s sudden change of stance and sought clarity on who or what prompted the move.
Vijayendra accused the government of conspiring to malign Dharmasthala’s reputation and destabilise public faith in the institution. Drawing a parallel with the lapses during the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, he claimed the government was once again rushing into decisions without proper diligence.
His remarks echoed those of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who had earlier slammed the government for “hastily” setting up the SIT despite caution from senior police officers. Surya alleged that political pressure drove the move, which he claimed was part of a “larger conspiracy” targeting Dharmasthala.
Meanwhile, the controversy deepened after a Belthangady court on Saturday remanded the complainant in the case to 10 days of SIT custody, further fueling political debate.
The BJP has demanded accountability from the Congress government, while the CM has defended the SIT probe as necessary to ensure impartial investigation.
