Karnataka, August 15 – Widespread protests and rallies have erupted across Karnataka as hundreds of devotees, carrying placards and chanting slogans, have come out in support of the Dharmasthala temple and its Dharmadhikari, Dr. Veerendra Heggade. The protests, organized by various devotee forums and community groups, condemn what they call a “conspiracy” to defame the temple and its leader.
The demonstrations are a response to a series of serious allegations made by a former sanitation worker of the temple, who claimed he was forced to bury bodies, including those of women who were victims of sexual assault, over a period of many years. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the government to probe these allegations, and excavations are underway at several sites.
Devotees and supporters, however, believe that these allegations are part of a malicious campaign to tarnish the image of the revered temple and Hinduism itself.
Carrying placards with messages like “We stand with Dharmasthala and Dharmadhikari,” “Save Hindu Temples,” and “Condemn those spreading falsehoods,” protestors marched in cities like Mysuru, Hubballi, Chikkamagaluru, and Koppal. They submitted memorandums to district officials, urging the government to take strict action against those spreading what they consider to be fake news and misinformation on social media and other platforms.
While welcoming the SIT investigation, many protestors have called for a transparent probe and have also demanded action against the accusers, arguing that the ongoing campaign is causing unnecessary confusion and hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees. They emphasized the significant contributions of Dr. Veerendra Heggade and the Dharmasthala institution to education, rural development, and social welfare, asserting their unwavering support for the Dharmadhikari and the temple.
Political Reactions to the Controversy
The issue has ignited a political firestorm in the state, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP trading barbs.
- BJP’s Stance: The BJP has rallied behind the Dharmasthala temple and Dr. Heggade, calling the allegations a “national conspiracy” and an attempt to demean Hindu religious institutions. During a heated debate in the state assembly, BJP members, including Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and former minister Vasudev Sunil Kumar, accused “urban Naxals and foreign nationals” of being behind the conspiracy. They demanded a narco-analysis test for the accuser and urged the government to hand over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), citing concerns of foreign funding.
- Congress’s Response: The Congress government has defended the formation of the SIT, stating it is necessary to uncover the truth and not to play politics. Home Minister G. Parameshwara insisted that the government has given a free hand to the SIT and is not acting under any pressure. He warned that if the claims are found to be false, legal action will be taken against those who made them. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, while expressing his full faith in Dr. Heggade and the Dharmasthala institution, called the case an “empty trunk” and a “conspiracy” to tarnish a centuries-old legacy.
Quotes from the Protests and Officials: - “The ongoing campaign is a conspiracy to defame the Dharmasthala temple and its Dharmadhikari, who has dedicated his life to the welfare of society. We have complete faith in him and the temple’s sanctity.” – A protestor in Mysuru
- “We have no objection to the investigation by the SIT, but we want a transparent probe. The government must take action against those engaged in this defamation campaign.” – Vijayanand Shetty, President of the Hubballi Dharwad Bunt Sangha, at a press conference in Hubballi.
- “We stand firmly with the Dharmasthala temple and its trust. The probe is intended to put all allegations permanently to rest.” – Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, in a statement to the media.
- “My silence is the answer for everything. Manjunatheshwara knows the truth and he is with me.” – Dr. Veerendra Heggade, in a recent statement to devotees.
- “False allegations will not deter Dharmasthala Kshetra. I have not protected any criminal and hence I do not have any guilt.” – Dr. Veerendra Heggade, in a statement to the media.
Source: The Hindu, India Today, Times of India
