Karnataka’s LoP R. Ashoka blasts Siddaramaiah over Dharmasthala case, demands NIA probe

Karnataka’s Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, launched a fierce attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of supporting “urban Naxals” and backing anti-Hindu propaganda related to the Dharmasthala controversy. Ashoka alleged the Congress government is shielding radical, communist-influenced groups, and questioned the rationale behind handing the case to a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Hubballi: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of backing “urban Naxals” and playing a role in the controversial Dharmasthala case.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ashoka alleged that the Congress government was deliberately encouraging elements with a “communist mindset” to malign Hinduism and Hindu temples. “Behind the Dharmasthala controversy lies the hand of the Chief Minister. The government is supporting urban Naxals who are spreading propaganda against the Hindu religion and temples,” he charged.

---

Ashoka claimed that some groups had even threatened to storm the Dharmasthala temple premises with JCB machines, a development he described as shocking. “It was Siddaramaiah who rolled out the red carpet for forest-based extremists and communist-minded Naxals, giving them urban comforts. With no work to do, they now spread lies against Hindu temples,” he said.

Questioning the decision to hand over the matter to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), Ashoka argued that such moves only created suspicion. “Every day, hundreds of petitions are filed demanding CBI or SIT probes. Does the Chief Minister hand over all cases? Clearly, there is political interference here,” he added, alleging that the Congress was divided between pro-Hindu and anti-Hindu factions.

He further alleged that the case was linked to radical groups influenced by Tipu Sultan’s ideology. Referring to social media activity, Ashoka named a man called Sameer whom he described as a PFI and SDPI activist accusing him of running online campaigns against Dharmasthala along with others. “We suspect foreign funding for this propaganda. The case must be handed over to the NIA for a thorough probe,” he demanded.

Ashoka also criticized Siddaramaiah for his silence while Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar admitted that a conspiracy was behind the controversy. “The Chief Minister’s role is evident, and the people of Karnataka will teach Congress a lesson,” he said.