Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge issued a bold challenge to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Wednesday, urging them to make public their conversation with Kusumavati, the mother of Soujanya, a 17-year-old student allegedly raped and murdered in Dharmasthala in 2012. The challenge follows the BJP’s ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ rally, led by state president B.Y. Vijayendra, which aimed to counter allegations linking the Manjunatha Swamy temple to the burial of multiple young women’s bodies.

The rally, held on Monday in Dakshina Kannada, was organized to dismiss claims of a conspiracy against the temple town. These claims surfaced after a masked individual, later identified as C.N. Chinnaiah, alleged that hundreds of bodies were buried in and around Dharmasthala. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the state government, conducted excavations in the area to investigate.

In a pointed post on X, Kharge questioned the silence of BJP leaders regarding Kusumavati’s statements during their meeting with Soujanya’s family. He highlighted allegations reportedly made by BJP members, suggesting Kusumavati profited from her daughter’s name to build a large house. “Why did BJP Karnataka unit leaders remain silent without responding to Kusumavati’s statement?” Kharge asked, pressing Vijayendra on whether justice should first address the harassment faced by Soujanya’s family from within the BJP.

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Kharge further challenged the BJP’s stance, asking, “Is the BJP for or against Soujanya?” He referenced their promise to fund her family’s legal battle, questioning if they understood who the legal fight was against. A video clip shared by Kharge captured the emotional exchange, with Soujanya’s uncle recalling her kidnapping moments after their last conversation, and Kusumavati lamenting the intimidation her family faced. She alleged that powerful individuals threatened her husband and brother, warning them against pursuing justice and hinting at dire consequences.

The minister’s remarks intensify the political clash over the Dharmasthala controversy, with the Congress-led government accusing the BJP of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. As the SIT continues its probe, Kharge’s challenge puts pressure on the BJP to clarify its position and address the grievances of Soujanya’s family transparently.

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