Vinod M Jain
It is not right to speak about religious centers or religion for the sake of targeting individuals.
Opposition Leader R.Ashoka welcomed the state government’s decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the case of thousands of bodies allegedly found near Dharmasthala.
However,he stated that spreading misinformation about the Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple in Dharmasthala is wrong.
Speaking at a press conference, he noted that the state government has formed an SIT in response to an anonymous individual’s claim of having buried thousands of bodies in the Dharmasthala area.
He demanded an impartial investigation into the matter and emphasized that the probe should not aim to falsely implicate anyone.
Dharmasthala,along with Tirupati,is a sacred center of faith for millions of Hindus in South India.Ashoka pointed out that a Muslim youth has been uploading videos on social media about Dharmasthala, and the Kerala government has intervened in the matter.
He remarked that the Kerala government’s handling of temple-related issues,including the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple,is well-known.He added that if any murder has occurred,the local police station would investigate.
If thousands of bodies were indeed found,their families would file complaints,and the government should clarify how many such cases exist.
People die near religious centers like temples,churches, and mosques,and in such cases,the police conduct investigations.Ashoka questioned how someone could suddenly claim such knowledge after 20 years, stating that creating controversy to insult a religion is unacceptable.
He clarified that this issue has no connection to Dharmasthala’s Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple,yet misinformation is repeatedly being spread about the religious center.
If an individual has done something wrong, accusations should be directed at that person,not an entire religious institution.
The government should not assign additional responsibilities to the SIT,and the team should thoroughly investigate and ensure punishment for the guilty,he said.
This matter pertains to individuals, not the Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple in Dharmasthala.No one should target the temple.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar is a devout believer,and he should act in accordance with divine will.Speaking recklessly about the Dharmasthala temple is wrong, and such statements do not befit any minister, Ashoka added.
*Greater Bengaluru proposal without development:
Regarding the Greater Bengaluru issue, the court has directed the government to respond.However, no development work is being carried out.
Garbage piles are everywhere, salaries in hospitals remain unpaid, and teachers in schools are being sacked.
Instead of developing Bengaluru, the government is focusing on creating five municipal corporations. Taxes are being imposed on everything, and due to issues with e-Khata, property registrations are stalled.
Ashoka accused the Congress of forming these corporations to win through unfair means.He stated that the BJP will always oppose attempts to ruin Bengaluru and will raise this issue in the upcoming legislative session.
As a result of the BJP’s protests against the MUDA scam, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has returned the allotted sites, admitting his mistake.
The BJP will not stop its fight against the MUDA scam, Ashoka concluded.
