'Truth Test' at temple skipped during Yeddyurappa visit

Bangalore:  B S Yeddyurappa kept his promise to visit the Lord Manjunathaswamy temple in Dharmasthala this morning. He offered prasad and said he offered prayers for Karnataka. However, he did not refer to his controversial invite to a political rival to meet him here for a face-off before God.

The Karnataka Chief Minister had dared HD Kumaraswamy, leader of a major Opposition party, to meet him at this temple for a "truth test". Mr Kumaraswamy did show up today at the temple, but only after the Chief Minister had departed.

Mr Kumaraswamy has devoted the last few months to circulating documents that suggest Mr Yeddyurappa is guilty of corruption. Mr Kumaraswamy claims that the Chief Minister sent him an emissary to broker a private peace. Swear before God that this is the case, retaliated the Chief Minister, in a dramatic letter published in local newspapers. Mr Kumaraswamy accepted the offer.

Religious leaders - including the priest in charge of the Dharmasthala temple - reprimanded both leaders. "I have told the chief minister and Kumaraswamy to follow political dharma, but not mix politics with religion. Both have accepted it," Veerendra Heggade, the head of the famous temple said last night.

Maybe everyone should pray for Karnataka.