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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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
