BJP Alleges Congress-Led ‘Smear Campaign’ Against Dharmasthala, Heggade

Rapid Summary

• BJP leaders raised concerns in the Legislative Assembly regarding the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, Karnataka.
• BJP accused the Congress government of conducting a “smear campaign” against Dharmasthala temple and its head, D. Veerendra Heggade.
• Claims were made that certain individuals and organizations were slandering Hindu dharma using social media posts without any FIRs being filed against them.
• Opposition members demanded clarity in the SIT investigation and a cessation of social media posts targeting religious beliefs. Some called for a narco test of the complainant and demanded an interim report to be tabled publicly.
• Concerns were raised about potential political motivations behind the probe, with suspicions voiced of involvement by INDIA bloc and Congress leadership.
• BJP members suggested directing investigations to external agencies like NIA, citing financial aspects related to allegations as areas requiring scrutiny.

Government Response:

• Home Minister G. Parameshwara denied any political intention behind forming SIT and assured justice through lawful investigation while respecting Dharmasthala’s contribution to society.
• He urged impartiality in interpreting facts unearthed by SIT’s efforts without turning it into a dharma-based conflict.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing debate surrounding the SIT probe reflects broader tensions between governance accountability and perceptions of religion-linked sensitivities. The allegations of misuse of investigative processes for political purposes underscore how critical religious sites shape societal narratives in India. On one side is insistence geared towards protecting communities/’centres pillar legacy ensuring temples’. However arguing suggests avenues deepening reservoir opposed cost public taxpayer money fairness balance intact matter-lawsproof(strict neutrality enforcement/unfold)… ***Read full article INSERT link”