Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Validator’s function of Basava Samskruthan on Sunday in Bengaruru. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The problem of independent religion status for Lingayats came to the forefront after almost ten years on Sunday, with several leaders increasing it, although it was also seen sharp differences in the community.
The Demand at the Valedictory Function of the Basava Samskruthi Abhiyan, Organized by Lingayat Matadeeshara Okkoot, Has Come at A Time When Verarashaivas and Lingayats Are Seeking and Separate Religion Under Nomenclature, WHICH HAS CAUSED CONFUSION AND DIVISION IN THE COMMUNITY.
This question appears from the campaign in 2017–2018, who were launched by certain community leaders, including those from the congress during the previous government of Siddaramaiaha.
On Sunday, out of the five resolutions expired in the valedictory function, a separate status of religion for Lingayats one was needed. Although Okkotota insisted that he was in a greater geographical character under Hinduism, he said that the independent status of religion is important to obtain government facilities and reservation.
Minister Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha Shivanand Jamdar, who was among those who led the movement in 2017–2018, urged more than 300 vythamutts to be part of the “Lingayat Religion” movement.
The Minister of the Heavy Industry MB Patil insisted: “Although we are also geographically Hinda, we are Lingayats according to religion. Lingayats are not enemies.”
The Minister also said that the Lingayat community should become Mr Siddaramaiaha because he contributed more to the development of the community than anyone else.
The Judge of the High Court in HN Nagamohan Das, on the basis of whose report, the state government in 2018 granted Lingayats the status of a religious minority, called for a strong movement for the status of religion. He also said that Basava’s philosophy was different from religion.
Their hangers were represented by over 300 mutts, many of which have raised the problem. “This is because of Mr Siddaramaiaha’s efforts that Lingayats has gained independent religion status. Now the center must observe the status and hope that we will gain religious minority status. No one can prevent us from gaining it.” Okkoota.
Division?
Meanwhile, this event also showed a division in the community and also the policy of Veerashaia-Landayat. BJP communities, including former Minister and Lingayat Strongman BS Yediyuppa, Forest Minister B. Eshwar Khandre and Akhil Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha, who were out of the event.
The leading community in Congress said it seemed that the old team 2017–2018, which required again to be active independently of religion. “The timing of the event is suspicious. It happened when a social and educational survey is underway. Enough confused in the community. The BJP community leaders were kept away. Patil and Mr. Khandre represent two fractions and ideally should be there.”
When he was contacted, the Secretary of Mahasabha Hm Renuka Prasanna confirmed that they were not invited, even though the Mahasabha units were striving for the success of the event.
State to recommend Renamma Metro as Metro Basava
The main Minister Siddaramaiah, who was felicitated as a valedictory function of Basava Samskrithi Abhiyan, announced the establishment of Basava university from the next academic year.
At the next request to rename the Namm Metro as “Basava Metro”, he said that the state government would recommend the center to rename it. “If it was fully funded by the state government, we would immediately rename it,” he said, adding that his government declared Basavanna as a “cultural icon” and ordered Basavanna’s photo in all public offices.
Published – October 5, 2025 20:44 IS IS
