‘Big plot to tarnish Dharmasthala’: D K Shivakumar drops political bombshell

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, D K Shivakumar on Wednesday alleged that a “highly organised conspiracy” had been orchestrated to tarnish the image of Dharmasthala’s administration and its hereditary head, Veerendra Heggade.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha during the Assembly session, Shivakumar refrained from naming those behind the alleged plot but insisted that the move was aimed at “placing a black mark” on Dharmasthala’s long-standing religious and social service legacy.

His statement comes at a time when Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting investigation into allegations of mass burial. The State government formed SIT on July 19 after former sanitation worker filed complaint on July 3 at Dharmasthala police station. The worker in the complaint alleged that he was forced to bury bodies by people associated with Dharmasthala Temple Administration. 

“I have full faith in the temple, its traditions, and the Dharmadhikari. The Home Minister will present the facts in detail. Lakhs of devotees trust this sacred place, which pioneered the concept of free food service even before it became common across India. This should not be politicised,” he said.

Rejecting BJP’s accusations that Congress was attempting to defame Dharmasthala, Shivakumar stressed that his party respected all faiths equally. “Congress will never allow the dignity, self-respect, and trust of Dharmasthala or any other religious centre to be compromised,” he asserted.

The DCM claimed certain individuals with internal disputes had made statements in court, triggering the controversy. He said Congress MLAs, including Shivalingegowda and Ashok Rai, had raised concerns in the party’s legislature meeting, demanding protection of the religious sanctity of Dharmasthala.

On the SIT probe, Shivakumar remarked, “The case is an empty trunk—making noise without substance. But since it is before the court, a proper investigation is essential.”

When asked about the Supreme Court cancelling actor Darshan’s bail in a murder case, he said he had just learned about it in the Assembly and would not comment on judicial verdicts.

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