I was stopped from attending Lingayat rallies, says Umesh Katti

BJP MLA and Lingayat leader Umesh Katti has criticised BJP leaders, saying they stopped him from attending rallies seeking separate religion status for Lingayatism. He described them as ‘haramkhor’ leaders.

“I was born a Lingayat and will die as a Lingayat. I do not consider myself a Hindu. I will say I am a Lingayat. I wanted to attend the rallies. But some leaders in the BJP asked me not to go. That is why I didn’t go,” he told presspersons at his home in Bellada Bagewadi.

He was responding to questions by reporters about his absence in the rallies by Lingayat groups. Five major rallies have been held in Karnataka and Maharashtra till now. Another one is scheduled in Vijayapura on Sunday.

He later clarified that he did not use the abusive word on purpose. “I did not use the word to insult or hurt anyone. It is a commonly used word in the villages and I have used it, without it meaning something grave.”

Mr. Katti rubbished media reports saying he would join the Congress. “I will not go. I will stay in BJP. I keep meeting Congress leaders including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. It does not mean I will join the Congress.”

Political observers say his remarks should not be understood as an indication of his moving away from the BJP or joining the Congress. They point out that this is his style of speaking and he is not worried much about controversies arising out of his statements.