BJP State President Vijayendra slams govt over ‘smear campaign’ against Dharmasthala

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Aug 18, 2025: BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra on Sunday accused the State government of failing to curb the “smear campaign” being carried out in the name of the ongoing SIT probe into alleged burials at Dharmasthala.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Dharmasthala temple, Vijayendra said the BJP had welcomed the constitution of the SIT but would not tolerate conspiracies against the temple. “Even Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has acknowledged the issue. Why then is the government not acting against such forces?” he asked.

Senior BJP leaders including C.T. Ravi, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, MP Brijesh Chowta, and MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Harish Poonja, Bhagirathi Murulya, Umanath Kotian, Bharath Shetty, Pratap Simha Nayak, and Yashpal Suvarna accompanied him. The leaders later met Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade and held discussions.