Bengaluru, July 10 (IANS) Karnataka Congress chief B.K. Hariprasad on Friday launched an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing its leaders of lacking the moral authority to criticise the Congress and demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities related to the Ram Temple.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Hariprasad hit out at BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, referring to him as “Baby Yediyurappa”, and criticised his remarks against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

He said leaders with a history of corruption allegations had no right to preach ethics to the Congress. Referring to the National Herald case, Hariprasad said the matter had been pending for the past 10 years and maintained that National Herald was registered under the Companies Act, under which neither funds could be withdrawn nor distributed arbitrarily, as its assets were governed by company law.

Hariprasad also alleged that BJP leaders had failed to answer questions regarding cases against their own leadership, including corruption and other criminal allegations.

He further alleged that Vijayendra was defending those accused of the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple, claiming that the money belonged to devotees, not to the BJP or the RSS.

He said the Uttar Pradesh government was responsible for safeguarding the temple and questioned who should be held accountable for the alleged theft of cash, gold and silver reportedly worth around Rs 200 crore.

He demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding them morally responsible as the leaders associated with the construction and consecration of the Ram Temple.

Hariprasad reiterated the Congress’s demand for a CBI investigation into the alleged theft of funds from the Ram Temple, stating that it was necessary to protect the sanctity and dignity of Lord Ram. At the same time, he said the Congress had little faith in the CBI, alleging that the agency functioned under the control of the Central government.

Replying to a question about Karnataka’s connection to the alleged temple theft, Hariprasad claimed that some individuals associated with Hindu organisations had been questioned in the case.

He alleged that the BJP and RSS had “looted” the Ram Temple in the name of religion and remarked that, after historical invasions, this was another instance of a temple being plundered. He said corruption had now entered the religious sphere as well.

Responding to a question about an RSS meeting being held in Belagavi, Hariprasad said he would comment after the meeting concluded. He also remarked that previous such gatherings had been followed by the murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M.M. Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh, and said it remained to be seen what developments would follow the current meeting.

–IANS

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