Dharmasthala case: BJP urges Congress to hand over probe to NIA to expose 'conspirators, foreign hands, funds'

The principal opposition party in the state alleged a "huge conspiracy" behind the slender campaign targeting Dharmasthala and the temple there.

Bengaluru: The BJP, loaded with fresh ammunition to attack the Congress government after the arrest of the witness-complainant in the Dharmasthala case, demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to expose “conspirators” and “foreign hands”.

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka even dared Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to act against mosques facing complaints.

“It will be good if the state hands over the case to NIA before the Centre orders it. If the state government doesn’t give it to NIA, Congress’ role in this will be clear,” Ashoka said and asked Congress to apologise.

“Progressive people who’re always with Siddaramaiah... Have they acted on complaints against mosques? Have they dug up land near any mosque? Petitions have been filed in courts claiming rape,” Ashoka said.

A former home minister, Ashoka said the government “should have used common sense” by looking into the background of the complainant before forming a special investigation team (SIT). “Things would have ended there. Instead, crores of taxpayers’ money got spent,” he said.

BJP state president B Y Vijayendra also demanded “appropriate investigation” into the “conspiracy” against Dharmasthala.

“We had said that a conspiracy was being hatched against the temple town, and it has come true now,” the state BJP chief said.

“Just as the Congress government formed an SIT under pressure from the Leftists, an appropriate investigation should now be done against those who conspired against Dharmasthala”.

It’s raining rallies

Jayanagar BJP MLA C K Ramamurthy said 2,000 persons would leave for Dharmasthala in 400 vehicles from his constituency and BTM Layout on Monday morning.

A half-km foot march has been planned at the temple town, he added. On Saturday, Bommanahalli BJP MLA Satish Reddy left for Dharmasthala along with his supporters in 200 vehicles, from his constituency. Nelamangala Congress MLA N Srinivasaiah is also going to Dharmasthala to express solidarity with the temple town.