After a lull, the submission of the experts committee report, headed by judge Nagmohan Das, to the State Minorities Commission on the independent religion status seems to have to escalated the conflict within the Lingayat-Veerashaiva community.
Amid reports about the Cabinet meet remaining inconclusive, warring factions took to the streets in Hyderabad-Karnataka region, while seers and political leaders expressed mixed emotions to the report. Siddhalinga Swami of Tontadarya Mutt, Gadag; Murugha Sharanaru of Brihan Mutt, Chitradurga; Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swami of Sanehalli; and Mathe Mahadevi of Lingayat Dharma Mahasabha issued statements urging the State government to recommend religious minority status to Lingayats. They expressed anguish over Ministers differing over the issue.
However, seers of Pancha Peethas, particularly Veerasomeshwara Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha, vehemently opposed the report. Speaking to presspersons in Kalaburagi, he accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of trying to divide the Lingayat-Veerashaiva community. He even gave a call to the community members to teach a lesson to Congress for its divisive politics for electoral gains. He again has contended that both Veerashaiva and Lingayat were one and the same.
The Jagatika Lingayata Mahasabha launched an indefinite demonstration in Kalaburagi urging the State government to send its recommendations to the Centre for independent religion status to Lingayats. To counter them, members of the Pejawara Sri Sene, led by BJP leader M.S. Patil Naribol, performed ‘abhishekha’ to photos of Ministers Eshwar Khandre and Shamanur Mallikarjun for their “courageous” stand against the government’s attempt.
Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil refuted reports about divide over the issue. Admitting that there were differences, he clarified that no minister had offered to resign over the issue, as was reported in a section of the media.
Meeting on Sunday
A meeting has been convened in Hubballi on Sunday by the Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha president and MLC Basavaraj Horatti to chalk out the next course of action.
