Pralhad Joshi slams Karnataka government over Dharmasthala incident, demanding impartial investigation and accountability.
Hubballi
Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pralhad Joshi has strongly criticized the Karnataka government, alleging that in the Dharmasthala case, the authorities have staged a “drama” by arresting the accused only after tarnishing the reputation of the holy place. Expressing deep sorrow, Joshi said the incident has hurt the religious sentiments of countless devotees.
“The government was wrong from the very beginning, and that is why this entire episode has become a myth,” he said, holding the state Congress government directly responsible. “By orchestrating a drama of arrests after smearing the sanctity of Dharmasthala, the government has hurt all communities. This sponsored attack on Hindu religious faith has now been exposed,” Joshi added.
He accused the Congress government of attacking Hindu religiosity and using a baseless conspiracy toolkit against an ancient and revered temple. “Without understanding the background of the Dharmasthala issue, the government blindly believed claims made by a masked individual and condemned it as a historical tragedy without proper verification,” he said.
From the masked man to sponsored YouTubers, the minister argued, the state government itself has undermined the sanctity of Dharmasthala without verifying facts. “Religious belief is personal, but governance requires balance,” Joshi said.
Raising serious questions, he asked if there was a deliberate attempt by unseen hands and under whose orders this misadventure was executed. “Why is the Congress government silent even when the facts are clear? Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar himself acknowledged a conspiracy. If that is true, when will the mastermind behind this drama be punished? When will the source of the financial transactions be revealed?” Joshi questioned.
Demanding accountability, Minister Pralhad Joshi called for an impartial investigation by the state government and urged officials to take full responsibility for the incident.
