BJP Protests in Shivamogga, Alleges Plot to Defame Dharmasthala

Quick Summary

• The Shivamogga city BJP conducted a protest march on Saturday, alleging a conspiracy aiming to tarnish Dharmasthala’s image.
• Hundreds of party workers and leaders marched from Ramanna Shreshthi Park to Gopi Circle, raising slogans against the Karnataka government, Congress party, and individuals demanding a probe into alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala.
• Lok Sabha MP B.Y. Raghavendra claimed that conspirators were attempting to defame Dharmasthala. He criticized the SIT for digging locations without first verifying the whistleblower’s credibility.
• MLA S.N. Channabasappa accused congress of supporting these conspiracies through its SIT investigation.
• Key BJP figures including district president N.K. Jagadish and former MLC R.K. Siddaramanna participated in the protest.

Indian Opinion Analysis

dharmasthala holds religious importance for Hindus; allegations involving mass burials have sparked heightened political contention in Karnataka. The formation of an SIT by the state government reflects its attempt to address public concerns transparently, but this has also provoked accusations from opposing parties about motive and process legitimacy. the BJP’s statewide protests indicate broader efforts to counter perceived reputational damage and discredit investigations thay believe are based on unsubstantiated claims.Further developments may test institutional mechanisms-whether public trust can be maintained by demonstrating accountability during sensitive disputes-or risk fueling deeper polarization among political factions over faith-related issues in Karnataka.

Read more: The Hindu