Gali Janardhan Reddy links Cong MP Sasikanth Senthil to 'plot against Dharmasthala'

BJP MLA and former minister Gali Janardhan Reddy on Tuesday made allegations linking Tamil Nadu Congress MP and former Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil to a conspiracy targeting the religious town of Dharmasthala.

Speaking to reporters, Reddy claimed the entire case — centred around the alleged burial of hundreds of bodies in Dharmasthala — is being orchestrated through Senthil. 

The MLA asserted this was not merely a local controversy, but a coordinated effort to malign a sacred institution, with deep political undertones and national implications.

According to Reddy, the ‘anonymous masked man,’ a central figure in the case, is a native of Tamil Nadu and has been residing there for years. 

“That person from Tamil Nadu has close ties with Senthil,” Reddy said.

Under pressure from Senthil — closely connected to the Congress high command — the government hastily set up the SIT, he said.

“The truth will not come out through the SIT or government agencies,” he declared.

“The high command’s instructions have trapped the Congress government,” he said.

Alleging a larger misinformation campaign over 15-20 days, Reddy cited a viral video by a Ballari-based YouTuber of another religion on the Soujanya case, which had millions of views. He claimed three left-leaning individuals amplified the controversy.

“Crores of people worldwide believe in the true deity of Dharmasthala,” Reddy said, asserting that there was a systematic attack by left-wing elements allegedly led or influenced by Senthil. Quoting Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, he said a conspiracy had indeed been hatched.

CBI/NIA probe sought

Demanding investigation by CBI or NIA, or under the supervision of a High Court or Supreme Court judge, Reddy warned: “If the government doesn’t decide on this, I will approach the court”.