Yeddyurappa to reach Dharmasthala a day ahead of 'truth test'

Bangalore, Jun 21: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said he would visit Dharmasthala on Jun 26 along with his family, a day ahead of his temple face off with JDS leader H D Kumaraswamy at the famous pilgrim town on the issue of an alleged compromise bid by the Chief Minister.

"I will be in Dharmasthala on Jun 26 itself along with my family members. Till that time, I will not engage in public debate on any issue concerning my resolve to swear before the god on the claims of Kumaraswamy", Yeddyurappa said here.

The BJP leader, who has been facing a barrage of charges including corruption, nepotism and favouritism by Kumaraswamy, said he would speak at the temple and address people of the state over "various issues" he had in mind.

Yeddyurappa had invited Kumaraswamy through an open letter in newspapers on Jun 18 to come to Dharmasthala and swear before Lord Manjunatha that the BJP leader's aide had tried to lure the JDS leader into a "compromise formula" to end their hostilities.

Kumaraswamy has also declared that he would be in Dharmasthala on June 26, but unaccompanied by family members to face the "truth test" the next day.

The Chief Minister's invitation to Kumaraswamy has already evoked criticism and some have branded it as act of promoting blind faith.

Meanwhile, the pontiff of Dharmasthala, Veerendra Hegde, has said he would facilitate the "swearing" before the presiding deity but not interfere in it.

PTI