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.”
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Separate nodal officer in all districts to prevent female foeticides in Karnataka: Minister
Belagavi (PTI): Accepting that the female foeticide has not stopped in the state, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday said that the government is taking strict measures to prevent it.
The minister said the government is appointing separate nodal officers in all districts and tightening measures to prevent foeticide, which he called a "social evil".
He also assured that the government will consider strengthening legislation to control such activities.
The minister was responding to a question by BJP MLC C T Ravi in the Legislative Council.
"Female foeticides have certainly not stopped. If you look at the sex ratio, there is a lot of difference. I accept that this is happening," Rao said.
"Foeticides are not happening under pressure; voluntarily, it is happening, for not wanting a girl child. These things are happening based on the sex determination of the foetus at some hospitals. Sex determination is illegal, but with the advancement in technology, portable ultrasound machines have been developed, which can be easily carried anywhere, and scans and tests can be done. This needs to be controlled. We will bring it to the notice of the central government," he said.
In some districts and in a few hospitals, a higher number of male child births is happening. It is found with the help of intelligence input, the minister said.
"Information is being gathered on the taluk in which the male-female ratio is worsening, what is happening in which hospital, and appropriate action is being taken to crack down on such a network, after proper evaluation."
Decoy operations have been done at seven places in the last two years, to identify those involved in illegal activities linked to female foeticides, and actions have been taken against officials and hospitals involved, he said, adding that more needs to be done on priority.
Responding to a question by Ravi about whether any stringent legislation is being brought, Rao said, the government will consider strengthening the legislation and making it stricter to control this.
"Some amendments have been made to the existing laws in the last two years....advanced technology and the internet is being used to carry out such things, also oral medicines for abortions are available over the counter.
We need to look into bringing legislation to control them. The Food and Drug Administration has issued instructions to pharmacists that the sale of such drugs should be documented."
The minister also said that measures are also being taken for the effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act, and awareness is being created against the identification of female foetuses and female foeticide.
