BJP wants Dharmasthala only for politics, says DCM D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused the BJP of using the Dharmasthala issue for political gain, alleging that the party has no genuine concern for the revered institution.
Speaking to the media at his residence in Sadashivanagar on Saturday, Shivakumar criticised the BJP for remaining silent when a masked individual first filed a complaint in court and when the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted.
“When the masked complainant approached the court, the BJP did not speak. When the SIT was formed, they said nothing. Now they are doing politics. They think Hindutva is their family property. Dharmasthala is not their personal asset, it is about people’s faith and belief. Other than politics, the BJP has nothing,” he remarked.
Responding to a question about the BJP delegation visiting Dharmasthala today, he reiterated that the Congress government’s priority was to protect the sanctity of the place. “We don’t need Dharmasthala for politics. Whoever is guilty should be punished. If the government had not investigated after the court complaint, wouldn’t the BJP have criticised us then?” he asked.
On demands for a narco-analysis test of the masked complainant, Shivakumar said, “Let them demand whatever investigation they want, narco test or otherwise. There is nothing wrong in it. But those who welcomed the SIT probe are now speaking differently. The SIT will decide what steps to take. Why should we interfere in their work?”
Reacting to reports that BJP leaders had welcomed his earlier statement on a “conspiracy,” the DCM clarified, “I only shared my personal experience. I will not interfere in a government probe. The Chief Minister has assured that no injustice will be done, and the investigation will follow the law. If false messages or misinformation have been spread, legal action will be taken. We even know who has called the CM a murderer.”
Asked whether excavation at the site would be halted, he said, “I will not interfere in the investigation. I don’t even know who is conducting it. The Home Minister is handling the matter. We collect information from our own sources, not necessarily only from the police.”
On the death of Vishva Okkaliga Mahasamsthana’s Sri Chandrashekhara Swamiji, Shivakumar said, “He was a senior seer in our community, serving patiently in his own way. He led the mutt for 25 years before passing responsibility to a younger seer. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
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2026 Assembly polls charged up due to TVK entry: Actor Vijay tells cadres
Chennai (PTI): Actor-politician Vijay on Monday claimed that the political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu is charged up due to TVK’s entry and urged his party cadres to strive for a victory in the upcoming Assembly election to Tamil Nadu and gain political recognition.
He said with the overwhelming support of the people, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam members should fight the electoral battle with determination and unity to "achieve the democratic goal of seizing the reins of governance."
Vijay launched the TVK on February 2, 2024.
In a post on 'X', Vijay said, "The joyful third year of TVK begins today. Having completed two years naturally and beyond the norm, our political journey continues."
He claimed the TVK was an "immeasurable deep sea" which ignored distractions and never lost its balance in its political journey. The party was the "victorious battle cry of power politics for the common people," Vijay claimed.
The 2026 Assembly election, he said, carried a new environment that had never seen before.
"Everyone says that the only reason for this is our political beginning. Therefore, in this situation, let us make the field our own, and with clear and skillful strategy, move towards political recognition through electoral victory," the actor said.
"With the overwhelming support of all the people, let us fight with determination and unity, and firmly achieve the democratic goal of seizing the throne," Vijay further said.
