Mangaluru: A delegation led by Chamaraja MLA K Harish Gowda, along with about 2,000 devotees and supporters, arrived at Dharmasthala in 50 vehicles on Wednesday evening, to extend support to Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade. They were welcomed at the main entrance. Later, they had the darshan of the deity and had prasada at Annapoorna. On Thursday morning , they are scheduled to meet Veerendra Heggade.On the occasion, the Cong MLA said that they strongly condemn the false propaganda being spread about Dharmasthala and would extend their full support in protecting the sanctity and harmony of this centre of interfaith unity. He was accompanied by several members of the Congress party.Dharma Raksha JathaMeanwhile, condemning the false propaganda against Dharmasthala, a Dharma Raksha Jatha was held under the leadership of former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa. The march, which began in Shivamogga, reached Dharmasthala on Tuesday evening. More than 1,500 devotees arrived in over 200 vehicles. On the occasion, Eshwarappa was felicitated by the temple authorities. Along with the procession, holy water was brought from the Tunga, Ganga, and Nethravati rivers, which was then sprinkled at Dharmasthala as part of purification rituals.Speaking after the march, Eshwarappa said, “We have come here to purify Dharmasthala. We brought Ganga water from Kashi, Tunga water from Shivamogga, and Nethravati water from Dharmasthala itself. We will sprinkle this water along the way to cleanse the path. If those behind the allegations were arrested and jailed immediately, the issue would not have escalated this far. Now, the truth is coming out from their own mouths. The govt made a mistake by letting them go free.” He further alleged that foreign funding and anti-national forces were involved in the conspiracy and thanked the SIT for revealing crucial information. “Is it even possible to dig an 18-foot pit and bury bodies? This case must be handed over to the NIA. Hindu dharma must survive, and we are ready to sacrifice our lives for its protection,” he said.Eshwarappa also alleged that Sameer, who is allegedly behind the case, has the support of SDPI. “From where is the money coming to pay the lawyers? Invisible foreign hands are at work in this matter,” he alleged.
