Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha urges Congress to appoint MB Patil as Chief Minister

Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha district president RG Shetgar was addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Thursday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

The Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha has urged the Congress high command to appoint senior minister MB Patil as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, saying that the Lingayat community has made significant contributions to the state as well as the Congress.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Thursday, Mahasabha district president RG Shetgar and general secretary Ashok Ghooli said that the Lingayat community, which is one of the largest communities in Karnataka, plays an important role in the social, educational and political development of the state.

They said Lingayat mutts and institutions have rendered valuable service to society through anna dasoha and educational initiatives without discrimination on the basis of caste or religion in line with the ideals of social reformer Basaveshwar and the Sharana tradition which emphasizes equality and welfare of all.

Recalling the contributions of prominent Lingayat Congress leaders such as BD Jatti, S. Nijalingappa and Veerendra Patil, the Mahasabha members said the Congress had failed to provide adequate political representation to the community in recent decades.

Referring to former Chief Minister Veerendra Patil, they said he was removed from office before completing his tenure, causing injustice to the Lingayat community.

They claimed that while the Congress sought the support of Lingayat voters during the elections, the community was largely kept away from the highest posts in the state.

Mahasabha leaders said that the current political developments in Karnataka have created an opportunity for the Congress leadership to appoint a Lingayat leader as Chief Minister.

Describing MB Patil as a progressive leader and an experienced administrator, they said he had successfully handled various ministerial portfolios and worked effectively for the party and the state.

The Mahasabha urged the Congress high command to consider Mr. Patil for the post of Chief Minister in the interest of social justice and political representation.

Published – 28 May 2026 19:44 IST