Bengaluru: In a major setback to water resources minister M B Patil, who has been speaking up on behalf of those demanding separate religion status for Lingayats, centenarian Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt set the record straight saying he did not express his support to the controversial issue, and he believed that Veerashaivas are not different from Lingayats.
The seer clarified his stand two days after the minister claimed that the former had supported the idea of separate religion tag for Lingayats.
In a letter released to the media, the seer stated: “On September 10, Mr M B Patil came to the Mutt and discussed regarding separate religion tag for Veerashaiva-Lingayats. I told him that the term Veerashaiva is used by educated in urban areas whereas the word Lingayat is widely used in rural areas. Since both terms are the same, it is better for all religious leaders and community heads to sit across the table and arrive at a consensus. However, I came to know through the media that Mr Patil had said that I have extended support to his campaign. I feel it is not a good move by anyone to divide the community by such means. Consensus is the need of the hour.”
Meanwhile Mr Patil told the media at Vijayapura: “If my statement is false, let the sin affect my family and let it perish. I am ready to go to the Mutt along with my family and swear about the truth. I hail from the land of Basavanna and need not speak untruth. Work is on to provide information on Basavanna in eight languages. There is a need for creating a history of Basavanna so that it becomes inspiration for coming generation. I haven’t received any threat calls and I am not a person to be scared of such threats. A few pontiffs have openly threatened to finish off Mr Basavaraja Horatti and myself and I have got the video clipping of the speeches. I am not interested to make it a big issue. Some persons have to be arrested if that video is released. But, I am not ready to take the blame,” he added.
He, however, claimed “Siddaganga seer did tell me that Lingayat should become a separate religion but some persons are trying to twist the truth. During my visit to the Mutt, the seer spoke about separate religion but people like BJP MLC V Somanna, former MP G S Basavaraj and state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa cannot digest this. So, they wanted to twist the truth. When I brought this to the notice of the seer regarding agitation of Veerashaiva-Lingayat, the latter said Lingayat should become a separate religion. At this juncture, one of the caretakers of the seer intervened to say that Patil was telling that Veerashaivas-Lingayats are different. To this, the pontiff said lingayat was a separate dharma whereas veerashaiva was a latest entity. As far as this issue is concerned, the seer and I are quite clear and there is no room to misinterpret it.”
In the evening, Akhila Bharath Veerashaiva Mahasabha president Shamanur Shivashankarappa and other office-bearers met the seer on the issue.
The seer reportedly clarified his position on the issue and also showed a copy of clarification issued to media.
The Mahasabha has convened a meeting on Wednesday to chalk out the future course of action.
