Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 31: Health and family welfare minister and Dakshina Kannada district In-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao came down heavily on the BJP on Sunday, stating that the state government does not need political rallies to protect the sanctity of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Rao dismissed the BJP’s planned ‘Chalo Dharmasthala’ rally on September 1 as a politically motivated move with no real concern for truth or justice.
“There is no need for a large congregation in the name of protecting Dharmasthala. Lord Manjunatha does not require such shows of strength. The state government is here to protect the sanctity of the Kshetra — we are fully capable and committed,” he said.
Rao accused the BJP of exploiting religious sentiment for political gain.“Whenever the BJP wants to make political noise, they stir up some controversy. They are weaponising Dharmasthala for their own selfish interests. If they truly cared for Karnataka, they would lobby the central government to release the funds rightfully due to the state,” he remarked.
“The BJP is not fighting for the people of Karnataka. All they want is disruption. Religious issues are being used as political tools. Everyone can now clearly see their agenda,” Rao added.
On the ongoing probe into the alleged mass burial incident at Dharmasthala, the minister reiterated confidence in the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
“We have not interfered with the SIT. They are functioning independently. Our only aim is to uncover the truth. We set up the SIT so that the facts can come to light. Even Dharmasthala’s Veerendra Heggade welcomed the SIT’s formation. What more is needed?” he asked.
Rejecting demands to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Rao said: “We do not require the NIA. Nor do we need BJP’s support. We have complete faith in our police department and the SIT. They will reveal the truth,” he asserted.
He also hit back at BJP’s track record, citing the Soujanya rape and murder case that occurred during the previous BJP regime: “The BJP was in power when the Soujanya case happened. What justice did they deliver then? They remained silent. Now, they are speaking out recklessly and without any evidence,” he said.
Rao rejected claims of a foreign funding conspiracy or larger plot against Dharmasthala. “I am not saying the case will never be handed to the NIA. If verifiable evidence and credible intelligence emerge, the government will consider it. But until then, such decisions must not be made based on baseless speculation,” he said.
On BJP’s planned rally, Rao clarified that while protests are permitted in a democracy, the motive behind this one is deeply flawed. “Let them hold their rally — we have no objection. This is a democratic nation. But let’s not pretend the BJP’s intent is noble. They aren’t interested in truth, they want political chaos,” he stated.
On a separate note, Rao acknowledged reports that restrictions on loudspeakers during Ganesh Chaturthi had caused inconvenience in certain areas. “We have received information regarding issues with sound restrictions during Ganeshotsava celebrations. I will speak with the concerned officials to address and resolve the situation,” he said.