Mangaluru – Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has criticized the BJP for allegedly twisting facts and trying to malign the image of Dharmasthala and Sri Manjunatha Swamy. He clarified that no digging took place within the Dharmasthala constituency; the excavation happened in a forested area and had nothing to do with the temple’s sanctity.
Addressing reporters, Rao said that such digging does not shake devotees’ faith. “Trust is not lost so easily,” he remarked, accusing the BJP and Sangh Parivar of giving a “comic spin” to a minor issue while being guilty of propaganda themselves.
The Minister emphasized that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a transparent and unbiased inquiry into the Dharmasthala case without political pressure. He noted that a witness and complainant making statements on a national channel about body burial is a serious matter, now under SIT scrutiny.
Responding to Deputy CM’s claim of a possible larger conspiracy, Rao said it cannot be ruled out but must emerge through investigation. On the question of more digging, he said the police will decide, adding that excavation is not simple and officers are working diligently with complete freedom.
He accused the BJP of politicizing the matter for electoral advantage, pointing out their silence during the first ten days of the probe. Rao also clarified that the SIT was formed after requests from various groups, including Dr. D. Virendra Heggade, despite his initial preference for a district police inquiry.