DK BJP workers bank on Siddaramaiah to bring Dharmashala issue to a historic and logical end

Mangaluru

In a rare turn of events, several BJP workers in Dakshina Kannada (DK) are banking on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to bring the Dharmasthala mass burial case to a historic and logical conclusion. They say he remains the last hope to deliver justice against the alleged illegalities in the village panchayat.

It is noted that there have been several attempts to allegedly scuttle the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Even within Congress, some ministers are said to be protecting the suspects. This lobby, workers claim, continues to remain active.

Blrpost.com spoke to several BJP workers and sources close to RSS think tank Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat to understand the cadre’s opinion. One BJP worker said, “The cadre was elated when Siddaramaiah constituted the SIT. No one so far had the courage to go after the powerful people in Dharmasthala. If the CM continues with the same rigour, this may bring a tectonic shift in DK’s political scenario.”

Another worker said that thousands of hardcore party workers showed support to the SIT by boycotting the BJP rally at Dharmasthala on September 1. Leaders expected at least one lakh people, but only around 10,000 attended—many brought in through various means. The absence of DK workers, he added, forced State BJP President B Y Vijayendra to visit deceased Soujanya’s house after the rally.

At local-level meetings, cadres have expressed disappointment over the rally, calling it “meaningless.” They argue that suspects being shielded by the BJP leaders cannot even deliver 500 votes in an election.

A worker noted that ordinary people, cutting across ideologies, want the SIT to reveal the truth. However, many political leaders from different parties are protecting the suspects. “If the SIT fails, it could spark a massive revolution in DK. Siddaramaiah has a crucial role to play, and if justice is done, the people of DK—who once opposed him—will be indebted. His name will go down in history if culprits are brought to justice,” the worker said.

A source close to Prabhakar Bhat claimed that 90% of people in DK support the SIT as they oppose violence and illegalities in Dharmasthala. “Bhat also wants the truth to come out, which is why he has distanced himself from BJP rallies. He believes the actions of party leaders could cost BJP votes if they continue protecting suspects.”

Congress, observers say, now has the chance to mobilise this sentiment. “Only fools would portray this investigation as damaging to Congress. In the next Assembly elections, BJP workers are likely to show their strength against leaders who shielded suspects. Siddaramaiah is shrewd enough to see this opportunity.”