HDK takes truth test, calls BSY a betrayer for evading challenge

Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra D Veerendra Heggade had earlier cautioned both CM B S Yeddyurappa and Kumaraswamy not to turn the hallowed precincts of the temple into a political battleground.

While Mr Yeddyurappa confined his Dharmasthala visit only for “darshan” of the idol of Manjunatha, the JDS leader, despite the severe opposition from several Hindu religious leaders and staunch devotees of Manjunatha, kept his word by pledging before the deity that he stood by the charges made by him against the Chief Minister in the last six to seven months.

"After offering worship, I submitted to god that whatever I told the media on June 14 about Yeddyurappa sending his emissary to strike a compromise to refrain against further exposure of his corrupt deeds, is 100 per cent true," Mr Kumaraswamy told media persons outside the temple.

He also seized the opportunity to lash out at Yeddyurappa for “reneging” on his challenge and termed him a "betrayer" for "dragging Manjunatheshwara into a political battle".

Defending his 'truth test', Mr Kumaraswamy said he was not concerned over the modalities set for the exercise. "From my heart and soul, I have narrated everything before god. It is for the Manjunatheshwara to pronounce judgement", he said.

According to the tradition followed at the temple, aggrieved parties stand before the deity and take pledge on the issues they have been contesting, after payment of Rs 11 as fee. As per the custom, the temple authorities only facilitate the exercise, but do not interfere.

"In the last six or seven months I have released documentary evidence on the corruption involving the Chief Minister. All of them are true. I have only placed truth before people", Mr Kumaraswamy said.

"Now let people decide who is following dharma and who is on the path of adharma. Yeddyurappa gave an open challenge, but did not keep up his word", the JDS leader said, referring to the advertisements in major dailies on June 16, challenging him to come with his family to Dharmasthala to swear that the allegations levelled were true.

Dozens of JD(S) MLAs, MLCs and their supporters had been there to extend support to Mr Kumaraswamy, who claimed has launched a battle against the corrupt government from the sacred place.

Outside the temple, a group of JD(S) activists were seen shouting slogans praising Mr Kumaraswamy on the occasion, which received condemnation from Harshendra Kumar, brother of Dr Heggade. At the same time a group of people belonging to a farmers organisation shouted slogans against both Yeddyurappa and Kumaraswamy. A large number of devotees too criticised both the leaders for “disrupting” darshan schedules.