Alleging a “systematic conspiracy” behind the smear campaign against the revered religious institution, Vijayendra announced that the BJP will launch a state-wide agitation titled “Dharma Yuddha – Battle for the Protection of Dharma” starting Friday, 22 August.
Published Aug 21, 2025 | 5:33 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 21, 2025 | 5:33 PM
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra (X)
Synopsis: BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Karnataka government of a systematic conspiracy against Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, citing inaction over a social media smear campaign. He announced a week-long state-wide agitation, “Dharma Yuddha,” to defend faith and tradition. Vijayendra questioned the government’s intent, alleging complicity or weakness, and vowed that BJP will fight to protect devotees’ sentiments.
BJP state president and MLA BY Vijayendra on Thursday, 21 August, launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka state government over its handling of the ongoing controversy surrounding Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
Alleging a “systematic conspiracy” behind the smear campaign against the revered religious institution, Vijayendra announced that the BJP will launch a state-wide agitation titled “Dharma Yuddha – Battle for the Protection of Dharma” starting Friday, 22 August.
The campaign will continue for a week across all Assembly constituencies in the state.
Addressing the media, Vijayendra said that recent statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao have cast serious doubts over the government’s intent in the matter.
“The smear campaign against Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala on social media has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees,” he said.
Vijayendra also criticized the selective approach of law enforcement, highlighting what he described as double standards in handling social media content. “Despite repeated incidents of swift FIRs and arrests against Hindu activists for social media posts, no action has been taken against those maligning Dharmasthala,” he alleged.
The BJP leader reminded the press that his party had initially welcomed the state government’s decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the issue and had extended full support for a transparent and impartial investigation.
“Even today, we stand by that position. But the government’s failure to curb malicious propaganda raises the question—does it lack the will to act, or is it complicit in abetting this campaign?” he asked.
Vijayendra went on to claim that the inaction of the state government and law enforcement agencies pointed to a larger, organized attempt to undermine the sanctity of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
“This is a systematic conspiracy. The silence of the government suggests either weakness or deliberate support for those spreading lies,” he charged, adding “The people of Karnataka and countless devotees are questioning who the forces behind this conspiracy are, and why the government is protecting them.”
Reaffirming the BJP’s commitment to defending religious faith and tradition, Vijayendra declared that the party would not stand by while institutions of faith are targeted. “We will not remain silent spectators while faith and tradition are under attack. The BJP will fight this battle—a Dharma Yuddha—for the protection of Dharma and the sentiments of devotees across Karnataka,” he said.
The BJP’s agitation is set to begin on Friday, with planned demonstrations and outreach activities in all Assembly constituencies, aimed at rallying public support and pressuring the government to take concrete action.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
