Bengaluru, 17 August

A political war of words erupted on Sunday between the ruling Congress and Opposition BJP over the ongoing excavation in Dharmasthala, triggered by allegations of multiple murders, rapes, and secret burials, particularly of women and girls, over the past two decades.

BJP State President BY Vijayendra led a party delegation to Dharmasthala, where they offered prayers at the Manjunatha Swamy and Annappa Swamy temples and sought blessings from 'Dharmadhikari' Veerendra Heggade.

Vijayendra reiterated BJP’s support for the State government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe but demanded action against those spreading “false propaganda” about the temple. “We don’t want to interfere in the SIT probe, but the propaganda on social media is hurting lakhs of devotees. The government must investigate the people and groups behind it,” he said.

He also accused Leftist groups of pressuring the government into forming the SIT and cited Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's earlier comments about a “big conspiracy” behind the episode. The BJP, he added, wants clarity on the complainant’s identity and the alleged falsehoods being circulated.

Shivakumar countered the BJP’s visit, calling it a “Political Yatra” aimed at scoring points. “This isn’t a Dharma-Yatra or religious visit. Why were they silent when the SIT was formed?” he asked, accusing the BJP of encouraging Hindu groups that initially targeted Dharmasthala.

Excavation work near the Nethravati river was paused on Sunday. The operation was launched after an anonymous complaint from a former sanitary worker alleged "hundreds of burials" around the pilgrimage site.

Home Minister G Parameshwara is expected to make a statement in the Assembly on Monday, following BJP demands for clarity and action against the complainant.

The political storm shows no sign of calming, with both parties standing firm on their narratives.