Bengaluru, 8 May

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused BJP of levelling a "false allegation" that Congress was trying to usurp the power of Hindus by appointing Muslims to the 'Brahmarathotsava' (car festival) committee of a temple in Hoskote.

He alleged that BJP was "caught lying" and deleted its false allegation made on social media soon after the government uncovered the truth.

"Not only did I present the fact that Muslim community members were made members of this Brahmarathotsava committee even during BJP government, but I also demanded that BJP delete its statement on social media and apologise to the people of the State," Siddaramaiah said on 'X'.

"Shameless BJP has deleted its post on social media, but has not apologised to the people of the state," he said.

He in another post hit out at BJP for targeting Congress for making a person from the Muslims a member of the Brahmarathotsava committee of the Avimukteswara Swamy temple in Hoskote, pointing out that when the saffron party's government was in power in the state too, members of the Muslim community were part of the committee in 2020 and 2022.

"Where was the passion for Hinduism that is overflowing in you now?" he asked, pointing out that the Avimukteswara Swamy Temple in Hoskote is a testament to the Hindu heritage of equanimity among all religions, and people of all religions participate with devotion and respect in every religious programme there. PTI