Karnataka: Lingayats sound war cry, hold rally demanding religion status

There was a massive turnout of people belonging to the Lingayat community in Bidar and neighbouring districts in the rally organised on Wednesday seeking separate constitutional status for the Lingayat sect.

The rally was organised by Lingayat Dharma Samanvaya Samithi, an umbrella organisation of religious heads, elected representatives, members of several social, cultural and religious organisations.

The Basava Dharma Peetha head Mate Mahadevi, Bhalki's Basavalinga Pattadevuru, Hulsoor's Shivanand Swamiji, Basava Seva Pratishtan's Akka Annapurna, Akka Gangambika and Sri Beldal Sharanuru were among those who led the rally. Besides, MLAs Rajshekar Patil, Rahim Khan, Prabhu Chavan, Ashok Kheny, Mallikarjun Khuba and MLC Vijay Singh also attended.

However District in-charge Minister Eshwar Khandre was conspicuous by his absence. In a memorandum addressed to the CM, the Samithi leaders urged him to again recommend to the Centre, separate religion status for Lingayats.

Stating that there were 71 sub-sects under the Lingayat sect, including Veerashaivism, the Samithi recalled the battle waged by 12th century social reformer Basavanna to build en egalitarian society.

Asserting that the Akhila Bharat Veershaiva Mahasabha did not represent the broader sentiments of the entire Lingayat community, the Samithi said instead of the word Veershaiva, Lingayat must be used to represent the sect. The Samithi also pointed out Lingayat and Veershaiva were totally different entities.

The Samithi felt the usage of the phrase Veerashaiva-Lingayat by the state government in caste certificates was also incorrect.