Gadag
BJP workers, led by MLA CC Patil along with several mutt leaders, staged a massive protest in Naragund town on Thursday against the government’s handling of the Dharmasthala case. The protest blocked traffic on the Hubballi–Vijayapura National Highway at Shivaji Circle as agitators expressed outrage at the Congress government.
Addressing the gathering, MLA CC Patil said the SIT had completed its task, but alleged that for the first time in history, the Congress government under CM Siddaramaiah had begun “digging graves under the leadership of IPS officers.” He claimed the government’s motive was to “destroy Hindu culture and religious centers” and suggested that a Congress MP was behind the case. He demanded that the NIA take over the investigation.
Calling for unity, Patil declared, “The BJP has launched a religious war for the survival of Hinduism, and we should rise above party differences to protect our faith.” He urged people from all 224 constituencies of Karnataka to gather in Dharmasthala on September 1 in solidarity.
Patil also criticized the state for restricting Ganpati celebrations while pointing out that the Maharashtra government funds 1,800 public Ganpati installation boards. “Here, we are forced to seek permission even for Ganpati installations and DJs,” he alleged.
Several seers, including Siddalinga Shivacharya of Hiremath, Guru Siddhaveera Shivayogi Shivacharya of Patrivanmath, and Shantalinga Swamiji of Bhairanahatti, extended support to the protest and submitted a petition to the government through Tahsildar Srishaila Talawara.
Prominent leaders and supporters, including Lingaraj Patil, Chandru Dandina, Shivananda Muthwada, Umesh Gowda Patil, Basu Patil, Nagana Gowda Thimmana Gowda, SB Karigowda, NK Somapura, AM Hudeda, BB Ainapura, SR Patil, GS Adeppanavara, Chambanna Valada, Siddu Hoogara, and Vitthal Havaldara, were present.
