In a strongly worded statement, Nijagunanand Swami of Tontadarya Mutt, Mundargi, has asked the seer of Pejawar Mutt Vishvesha Tirtha Swami to keep himself away from the demand by Lingayat for independent religion.
Speaking to presspersons at Murugha Mutt here on Thursday after an event related to the proposed mega Lingayat convention scheduled in Hubballi next month, the swami asked the Pejawar Mutt seer not to interfere in the movement seeking religion status for Lingayat.
Sri Nijagunanand Swami said there were around 3,000 seers heading Virakta mutts and over 3 crore members of the Lingayat community who were capable of resolving the differences within the community on the demand and take the movement forward.
“The Pejawar seer should not interfere in the Lingayat issue. We have respect for him. Let him guide us on social issues and not on religious ones,” the seer said.
To a query on the suggestion by the Minister for Higher Education on going ahead with the nomenclature Veera Lingayat, the swami said the community would go forward with its original demand for independent religion status.
The swamiji also expressed displeasure over Lingayat leaders in the BJP B.S. Yeddyurappa and Jagadish Shettar for failing to support the demand.
The swamiji said after having reaped political benefits by playing the Lingayat card, they have now become silent.
Releasing posters pertaining to the Lingayat convention, district in-charge Minister Vinay Kulkarni said the convention of all sub-sects of Lingayats would be held in Hubballi on November 5 to press for independent religion status for Lingayat.
Mr. Kulkarni said he would appeal to Lingayat leaders from all political parties to participate in the convention.