The Hindu : Karnataka News : Chief Minister urged to call off ‘truth test'

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Wednesday, Jun 22, 2011
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Chief Minister urged to call off ‘truth test'

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Even as the D-Day for the “test of truth” before the deity of Srikshetra Dharmasthala on June 27 draws near, pressure is mounting on Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa to call off the exercise.

The seer of the Suttur Math, Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamy, and Sri Vishvesha Tirtha Swamy of Pejawar on Tuesday appealed to Mr. Yeddyurappa not to take the oath. In his response, the Chief Minister said he would “consider” their suggestions.

The former Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy, however, declared that he would not change his plans and would be present at Dharmasthala on June 27 to take an oath before the deity in the presence of Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade.

However, earlier in the morning, Mr. Yeddyurappa told reporters at his official residence, ‘Krishna' here, that he would reach Dharmasthala on June 26, a day ahead of his face-off with Mr. Kumaraswamy.

Mr. Yeddyurappa said, “I will be in Dharmasthala on Sunday and till that time, I will not engage in public discussion on any issue concerning my resolve to swear before the God on the claims of Mr. Kumaraswamy.” However, the Chief Minister's invitation to Mr. Kumaraswamy appears to have evoked sharp criticism from all sections of the people.

The Pejawar seer said that the Chief Minister has set a bad precedent by inviting the Janata Dal (S) leader to the temple to prove his political allegations.

Similarly, the Suttur Math seer said that the two leaders could go to Dharmasthala, but should refrain from taking the oath.

Meanwhile, Mr. Veerendra Heggade has said that he would facilitate the “swearing” before the presiding deity but not interfere in it.

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