Udupi: Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has urged the Union government to initiate an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into alleged foreign funding linked to what he described as an “international conspiracy” to malign Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara temple.
In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mr. Poojary claimed that certain individuals, including YouTubers, were attempting to weaken Hindu religious sentiments with overseas financial backing. “News has spread that a Muslim YouTuber and his associates, who are trying to defame the temple, have received foreign funds. This is nothing less than a declared war on the temple,” he wrote.
He noted that the State’s Deputy Chief Minister had himself admitted that a conspiracy was underway, while the Minister in charge of Dakshina Kannada had stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed following pressure from Left-leaning groups.
Mr. Poojary alleged that the SIT was constituted on the basis of an anonymous claim, suggesting that the government had “surrendered” to it. He further expressed concern over reports of indiscriminate digging, including near the base of the Bahubali statue, which he said had disturbed devotees. He also alleged that a Tamil Nadu politician was influencing Congress leadership to weaken Hindu faith in Karnataka.
Calling the developments “deeply troubling,” the MP appealed to the Centre to treat the issue with utmost seriousness and direct an ED inquiry into foreign contributions allegedly received by those opposing the temple.