Dharmasthala Row Escalates: BJP Alleges Foreign Funding, CM Siddaramaiah Counters with Twist
Bengaluru: The political battle over the Dharmasthala conspiracy row has intensified, with the BJP alleging foreign funding to a so-called “gang” targeting the shrine, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah turned the tables, questioning where the BJP itself received money for its campaigns.
On Friday, BJP leaders demanded an NIA investigation, claiming foreign funds were being used to fuel propaganda against Dharmasthala. Opposition leader R. Ashoka even accused the Congress of being the “producer” behind the conspiracy.
In response, CM Siddaramaiah delivered a sharp counter, saying: “If BJP can fund large protests and yatras, where is their money coming from?” Senior Congress leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also hit out, remarking that BJP seems to “find profit in everything,” while Congress is demanding truth and transparency.
BJP leader C.T. Ravi escalated the issue, alleging that a Congress MP was directly involved in facilitating funds from abroad. Reacting strongly, Congress MLA Balakrishna shot back that if there is credible proof, the Centre should step in directly.
Meanwhile, former minister C.C. Patil reiterated the demand for an NIA probe, but Home Minister clarified that the case has already been handed to the SIT (Special Investigation Team), which is actively investigating.
Adding another twist, ED (Enforcement Directorate) has now reportedly stepped in to examine NGO accounts suspected of receiving foreign funds linked to the controversy.
Congress leader Priyank Kharge reminded that Girish Mattannavar, who had been linked to the controversy, was previously associated with the BJP and even contested on a BJP ticket. “The director may be someone else, but the producer is clearly the BJP,” he countered.
With both parties trading charges, the Dharmasthala row has now snowballed into a full-fledged political confrontation, drawing in BJP, Congress, SIT, ED, and even NIA into the spotlight.
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