Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Pejawar Mutt said on Saturday he was ready for a debate on how Lingayat–Veerashaiva community was a part of Hindu religion.
The seer told presspersons here that he was ready to participate in the debate in the Banquet Hall of the Vidhana Soudha.
The seer’s earlier comments that Lingayats are part of the Hindu faith and that they cannot claim separate religion status have drawn wide criticism by groups campaigning for separate religion tag.
Defending his stand, the seer said, “There is no pressure on me nor is there any political or selfish motive involved. I am not contesting elections.”
He pointed out that many Lingayat seers and people of the community had participated in large numbers in conventions held by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
