Dharmasthala Mass Burial Row: BJP vs Congress in Karnataka

Mass Burial Allegations in Dharmasthala Ignite Political Firestorm

Mass Burial- With the opposition BJP and the ruling Congress government leveling scathing accusations a significant political conflict is developing in Karnataka over the Dharmasthala mass burial case. In addition to raising significant concerns about the investigation’s timeline, Prashant notes that the controversy has sparked a statewide political campaign and heightened the already tense climate in the state. 

The Accusations and SIT Investigation

The dispute originates from July 2025, when a former sanitation employee claimed he was compelled to bury and cremate women and minors in Dharmasthala, a sacred temple city in Karnataka, during the 1990s and 2010s. His assertions created a frenzy throughout the state, prompting inquiries not only regarding the supposed events but also about why they were concealed for so long.

In reaction, the Congress government declared the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on July 19, 2025, to investigate the issue. The SIT was assigned to investigate the truthfulness of the claims and to ensure that the inquiry was not subject to political pressure. The decision was first embraced, but as weeks went by with no significant news, doubt started to increase

BJP’s Accusations Against Congress

The BJP has criticized the Congress for delaying the investigation, claiming that the state government is permitting “propaganda” on social media to damage the reputation of Dharmasthala, a place of immense religious importance for millions of worshippers.

B.J.P. State President B.Y. Vijayendra has led this criticism. In several press conferences, he has asserted that the Congress government is intentionally extending the investigation for political advantage. “The Congress is not committed to achieving justice.” “By postponing the procedure, it is fostering misleading stories that tarnish one of the most revered temple towns in our nation,” Vijayendra stated.

To strengthen its message, the BJP has initiated a ‘Dharma Yatra’ throughout Karnataka, framing the matter as an assault on religious convictions and uniting its supporters around the issue. Party leaders claim their campaign seeks to protect the integrity of Dharmasthala, while opponents argue it is a tactic to rally voters in anticipation of upcoming elections

Congress Upholds Its Position

The Congress has responded forcefully, rejecting the BJP’s claims as driven by political motives. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has supported the government’s measures, claiming that the SIT functions independently without outside influence.

The SIT was formed to guarantee fairness and transparency. There is no governmental influence. The BJP is merely seeking to gain political advantage from a delicate matter. “Rather than making allegations, they ought to let the inquiry finish,” stated Rao.

Congress leaders contend that although the accusations are grave and warrant consideration, it is essential to adhere to due process to prevent misinformation or rushed judgments. They claim the BJP is using the matter to manipulate public emotions instead of concentrating on delivering justice for the victims

Politics Versus Justice

As the rhetoric intensifies, the victims’ worries threaten to be eclipsed by political strategies. Civil rights advocates and unbiased observers have called on both sides to focus on truth and the well-being of those purportedly impacted, rather than partaking in blame shifting.

Advocacy organizations have urged the SIT to provide regular updates to ensure transparency and instill confidence in the public that the issue is being investigated comprehensively. Several are concerned that lacking accountability, the situation might turn into yet another focal point in Karnataka’s extensive history of politicized disputes.

A Split Karnataka

The controversy over the mass burial in Dharmasthala has swiftly shifted from a criminal inquiry to a symbolic arena of political conflict. For the BJP, it represents a chance to reclaim influence in Karnataka by tapping into religious and cultural emotions. For Congress, it serves as a trial of governance, where maintaining transparency and fairness without yielding to political influences is essential.

At its essence, the matter poses an urgent inquiry: Is the Dharmasthala case focused on providing justice to purported victims, or has it turned into a piece in the broader political game of Karnataka?

While the SIT proceeds with its inquiry, the residents of Karnataka find themselves in suspense – trapped amidst political drama and the quest for clarity

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