BJP to hold Dharmasthala chalo rally on Sept. 1 to press for NIA probe

Alleging that there was a smear campaign against Dharmasthala, the BJP has not only demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the allegations of mass burials, but also announced that it would hold a Dharmasthala chalo rally on September 1 to press for such a probe.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Monday, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra maintained that an NIA probe would instil confidence among the public and devotees who were concerned over the alleged smear campaign. He urged the Congress government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take such a decision immediately.

Alleging that sentiments of Hindus were hurt over the developments related to Dharmasthala, he called upon devotees across the State to participate in the rally to protest against the smear campaign and also to demand an NIA probe

.He said devotees from different areas of the State would visit local temples in their towns on September 1, before heading for Dharmasthala, where a rally would be organised in the afternoon.

Alleging that the manner in which the government handled the Dharmasthala issue had tarnished its reputation, he maintained that a thorough investigation by the NIA was essential to uncover the organisations and forces behind the controversy. He warned that such forces could conspire against other temples in a similar manner.

Accusing the government as well as Mr. Siddaramaiah of taking hasty decisions with respect to Dharmasthala, he argued that the State intelligence wing or the police should have conducted a preliminary investigation before any decisions were made.

He alleged that a lack of consistency in the stand of the government and the Chief Minister with respect to Dharmasthala had triggered suspicion that some organisations may have been influencing the government’s decisions.

He argued that a probe by the NIA was necessary to ensure a fair and thorough investigation that could help restore public confidence, and protect the sanctity of the pilgrimage centre.