Bangalore:  There have been reports of a challenge between Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and HD Kumaraswamy to take a “truth test” before a deity to prove the corruption charges they have been trading against each other. But now it looks like the temple stand-off might just not happen.
The entire episode started unfolding on June 16 when Kumaraswamy, a former Chief Minister, alleged that Yeddyurappa had sought to buy his silence by offering inducements in terms of money and future coalition, among others.
Hitting back, Yeddyurappa placed newspaper advertisements last Saturday challenging Kumaraswamy to come to the famous pilgrim town of Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district, where both of them can meet and take an oath in front of Lord Manjunathaswamy.
“If you have the courage to stick to your allegations in front of the Almighty, I will appreciate your courage. I am even ready to take a pledge before God that all allegations made by you are completely baseless,” Yeddyurappa had said.
Both politicians had said they were ready to swear that they were telling the truth at the temple but now with the seers intervening, it looks as if this political oath taking might not finally happen.
Yeddyurappa says he will be going to the temple but only because he has a function at another temple close by. “I will be going to Dharmasthala. I am inaugurating temple nearby. About taking oath – I will take advice from seers and finally decide,” he said.