The Apologists of Dharmasthala: When Silence Becomes Complicity

As the SIT probe into the Dharmasthala allegations finally begins, politicians across party lines are rushing to defend the accused who are powerful —not demand justice. Their delayed sermons and evasive statements reveal a deeper complicity.

What should have been a moment for standing with survivors has instead become a display of bipartisan sycophancy. Congress’s U T Khader, currently the Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, called on the public to “wait for SIT findings.” A peculiar statement—especially from someone who had nothing to say when journalists, civil society, and survivors demanded this very probe for years. His is not a voice for justice, but a belated gesture of damage control.

On the BJP side, C T Ravi went a step further, declaring that such heinous crimes “cannot happen in Dharmasthala.” This is not just denial—it’s a dangerous attempt to use blind faith as a shield against legitimate scrutiny.

Joining this chorus of misplaced loyalty are former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa and former Deputy CM  C N Ashwath Narayan. Both have praised Dharmasthala’s “good service” and questioned the intent behind the SIT. Yediyurappa called the probe “politically motivated,” while Ashwath Narayan warned against “creating suspicion” about a “noble institution.” These aren’t neutral observations—they’re deflections, offered at a time when victims seek truth, not platitudes.

Let’s be clear: these allegations are not casual whispers. They are credible, consistent, and now publicly documented. The SIT was not born of political will—it was forced by people’s outrage. Yet now, politicians emerge not to ensure justice, but to pacify the public and protect an empire.

Where were these leaders when survivors were pleading for help? When former judges, civil rights groups, and journalists were raising alarms? Their current concern rings hollow.

This is a familiar pattern—leaders who speak of “waiting” were silent when it mattered. Their newfound voices today serve not victims, but entrenched  accused.

The public is not fooled. People see through the rehearsed lines. They know when politicians are more concerned with protecting privilege than pursuing truth. Dharmasthala cannot be treated as untouchable. Its religious aura must not shield it from questions of accountability.

This is not a time for preaching patience. It is a time to reaffirm democratic values, to stand with survivors, and to demand the truth.

If Khader, Ravi, Yediyurappa, and Ashwath Narayan believe in justice, they should stop sermonizing. If they cannot help the cause of truth, the least they can do is stay out of the way.

The people have spoken: enough with the apologies and delays. Justice must proceed—not in the shadow of power, but in the light of scrutiny.