Mangaluru: BJP twisting facts over Dharmasthala digging, says - Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangaluru: BJP twisting facts over Dharmasthala digging, says - Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 15, 2025: Digging did not take place in the Dharmasthala temple premises, but in the forest area, yet the BJP is twisting facts unnecessarily and tarnishing reputations, alleged Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Speaking in Mangaluru, he said, “The SIT probe has nothing to do with harming the name of Sri Manjunatha Swamy or the sanctity of the Dharmasthala temple. The sanctity of the temple remains untouched. No digging has been done in the temple area; it was done in the forest. BJP is deliberately distorting facts for political motives. Digging a pit does not disturb devotees’ faith—faith is not lost so easily. There is no need to portray it otherwise. Is it not the BJP that is indulging in false propaganda? Remember how much propaganda they spread about Paresh Mesta? When they do it, there is no problem, but when others do, it suddenly becomes an issue? They are the ones who spread communal color and misinformation.”

On the ongoing investigation, the minister said the SIT is conducting a transparent and impartial probe without yielding to any pressure, to bring out the facts. The Home Minister will respond on the matter in the Assembly on Monday.

Commenting on a complainant making statements on a national news channel, he said the police will take action. “The claim of having buried a body is a serious allegation now being discussed across the country. Since the matter is with the SIT, no one should doubt the investigation. We will place the truth before the people. The SIT and the government will act in accordance with facts, truth, and evidence,” he assured.

When asked about Deputy CM’s remark that there may be a larger conspiracy behind the case, Gundu Rao replied, “It’s possible—we cannot rule it out. The investigation must reveal everything.”

On whether more sites will be excavated, he said, “That is for the police to decide. Excavation is not an easy task. The police are working hard and responsibly, and we have given them full freedom without any interference.”

On the allegation of politicizing the matter, the minister said, “The BJP is a party that looks for political gain in everything. For the first ten days after the SIT probe began, they said nothing. In fact, they themselves had demanded the SIT. Now, as facts begin to emerge, they are calculating how to extract political advantage. For us, the priority is to uncover the truth, not to think in terms of gains or losses. Misusing religious matters for politics is their old tactic.”

Clarifying his earlier statement that the SIT probe was the result of left-wing pressure, Gundu Rao explained, “What I meant is that several organisations and individuals—including left-leaning groups—demanded an SIT probe. Even Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade himself said an SIT would be better. Initially, I had said the Dakshina Kannada district police could handle the investigation and that an SIT was unnecessary. But now that it is being done by the SIT, it is for the better. At this point, no one has any doubts,” he concluded.