Vijayendra Demands Apology from Siddaramaiah Over Alleged Smear Campaign Against Dharmasthala Temple

Quick Summary:

• Karnataka BJP president B.Y.Vijayendra visited Sri Manjunatha temple in Dharmasthala on August 17, 2025.
• Mr. Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for failing to prevent a “smear campaign” targeting the temple and its administrators amid an SIT examination into alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala village from over a decade ago.
• He urged the government to disclose details regarding a supposed conspiracy behind this case that allegedly aimed to tarnish the reputation of the religious site and its leaders.
• Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao previously stated that the government initiated the SIT probe under pressure from Leftist groups, while Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar hinted at uncovering details of a conspiracy at an “appropriate time.”
• BJP leaders, including MLC C.T. Ravi and others, demanded that an inquiry identify those responsible for spreading misinformation against Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Pattadhikari D. Veerendra heggade and other temple administrators.
• A rally led by MLA S.R. Vishwanath involving approximately 400 vehicles traveled from Nelamangala to Dharmasthala in support of the temple administration.

Image: Karnataka BJP president B.Y Vijayendra visiting Sri Manjunatha Temple (Source: The Hindu).

indian Opinion Analysis:

The ongoing political tensions surrounding allegations linked to Dharmasthala highlight how sensitive matters involving cultural institutions can become politicized amidst competing narratives. While questions about possible misinformation campaigns merit investigation, it is equally essential for authorities to ensure transparency in their probes without letting faith-based sentiments derail justice or rational discourse.For India, safeguarding religious institutions’ sanctity while maintaining accountability underlined by due legal procedure remains crucial-especially when politically charged accusations risk sowing division among communities or eroding institutional trust.

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