Karnataka CM Accuses BJP of Politicizing Dharmasthala Issue

Fast Summary

• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of engaging in politics over the Dharmasthala issue, particularly through its Dharmasthala Chalo rally, which he termed as a “political yatra.”
• He questioned BJP’s demand for a National investigation Agency (NIA) probe despite an ongoing autonomous Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation and alleged lack of trust in local police.
• Siddaramaiah noted that Dharmasthala’s pattadhikari D.Veerendra Heggade supported the SIT’s formation to ensure truth emerges and emphasized that SIT was acting independently with full freedom granted by the State government.
• Regarding BJP’s push for reinvestigating the Soujanya case, Siddaramaiah highlighted that a CBI probe had already taken place but suggested Soujanya’s family could approach the Supreme Court if desired.
• He criticized certain comments aligned with BJP leaders about Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq wearing vermilion and turmeric during Dasara celebrations, describing them as inappropriate demands on individuals belonging to other faiths.
• The Chief Minister defended Ms. Mushtaq by recalling precedents where non-Hindu historical figures like Mirza Ismail participated prominently in state traditions like Dasara under previous governments.
• On reports of a fatwa issued against Ms.Mushtaq by Muslim clerics, Siddaramaiah said Muslim leaders clarified there was no such fatwa.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The remarks from Karnataka’s Chief Minister reflect ongoing tensions between political parties concerning cultural identity and investigations into sensitive cases. His emphasis on granting independence to institutions like SIT suggests an intention to balance clarity with procedural integrity amid public sentiment surrounding events like the Soujanya case.

The broader debate about inclusivity in cultural festivals such as Dasara highlights how societal portrayal intersects with political narratives-especially when minority contributions are scrutinized or politicized. while opposing views may continue sparking polarizing rhetoric among parties, preserving mutual respect across religions remains vital for fostering unity within Karnataka’s sociopolitical framework.

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