Karnataka's Holy Land War: BJP and Congress Clash Over Dharmasthala Allegations

Karnataka's political arena is once again a battleground, this time ignited by a contentious land dispute involving the revered Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala temple. A fierce war of words has erupted between the state's ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, with top leaders trading accusations over a significant land transaction and its underlying intentions.

At the heart of the controversy is a scathing allegation made by BJP state president B.Y.

Vijayendra against Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Vijayendra accused Shivakumar of orchestrating an order in 2017, during his tenure as Irrigation Minister, to transfer 19.5 acres of land belonging to the sacred Dharmasthala temple to the government. This land, Vijayendra asserted, was originally designated for a vital 'Goshala' (cow protection center), a project close to the hearts of many in the state.

"D.K. Shivakumar's unquenchable thirst for money led him to issue an order to seize the Dharmasthala Goshala land," Vijayendra declared, painting a grim picture of alleged corruption and disregard for religious institutions.

Vijayendra did not stop there, further claiming that the order stipulated the land be transferred to the government without any compensation to the Dharmasthala Trust.

He specifically pointed fingers at Shivakumar, alleging that the Deputy CM’s personal financial interests were the driving force behind this controversial move. The BJP leader demanded an immediate apology from Shivakumar to the people of Karnataka and a transparent explanation for his actions.

However, Deputy Chief Minister D.K.

Shivakumar vehemently refuted all allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. He challenged Vijayendra to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims, promising to resign from politics if proven guilty. "Is it my land? Is it your land? It is government land. It is for a social welfare scheme," Shivakumar retorted, clarifying that the land in question was intended for the 'Karnataka Community Based Tank Management Project'.

He emphasized that this project aimed to benefit the public directly, improving infrastructure and livelihoods in rural areas.

Shivakumar also highlighted a past directive, stating, "We issued a direction to hand over the land to the concerned department for the public. It was for a public purpose.

What is the Goshala? It is not for the benefit of any individual. Does he have any proof?" He questioned the BJP's selective memory, pointing out that Dr. D Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, had himself written to the government regarding the land. Shivakumar reiterated his stance, stating he had merely followed the recommendations of officials for a beneficial public project.

Adding another layer to the complex narrative, Shivakumar reminded the BJP of a similar land transaction during former Chief Minister B.S.

Yeddyurappa's tenure. He recalled that Yeddyurappa's government, in 2020, had issued an order to transfer 17.5 acres of land in Dharmasthala for the establishment of a Goshala. This historical context served to underscore the political opportunism, according to Shivakumar, behind the current BJP accusations.

The controversy underscores the deep-seated political rivalry in Karnataka, where religious sentiments and land issues often become flashpoints for partisan clashes.

As both parties dig in their heels, the 'Dharmasthala row' is set to dominate headlines, leaving citizens to ponder the truth amidst the high-stakes political accusations and counter-accusations.