Stage set for another show of unityfor independent Lingayat religion

Rally today even as row reaches a point where only a split seems to be a solution

After Bidar convention, now the stage has been set for another show of unity and strength for the cause of getting independent religion status by the Lingayats, this time in Belagavi.

While the demand for independent religion status began much earlier, the Bidar convention held in July had almost rejuvenated the old demand and also mobilised the community’s support for the demand.

Much water has flown after the Bidar convention in July resulting in differences over the demand within the community with religious heads and scholars presenting different view points. Divergent view points emanated from different quarters especially after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promised to send a proposal to the Centre recommending for the status of independent religion. Thereafter, it has been a different ball game with religious heads of the community, especially those of the Virakta Mutts insisting on taking forward the movement with the Lingayat nomenclature, while the Pancha Peethas (followers of Veerashaivism) objecting to it and demanding the dual nomenclature of Lingayata/Veerashaiva.

The Belagavi Chalo on Tuesday is now being held in a situation wherein differences between the Virakta Mutts and Pancha Peethas appeared to have reached a point where only a split seems to be a solution. Already, the several heads Virakta Mutts have made their stand cleared and have even passed a resolution seeking renaming of Akhil Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha as Akhil Bharata Lingayata Mahasabha. What is of significance is that the opinion among the majority of the community seems to be more concerned about the minority or independent religion status rather than the nomenclature.

Sri Siddarama Swami of Naganur Rudrakshi Mutt, Belagavi, who has been vociferously demanding independent religion status for Lingayata Dharma, is the main force behind the Belagavi rally, which is aimed at exerting more pressure on the State government and also on the political parties on the need for them to take a stand on the demand for independent religion status from a community that can make an impact on the prospects of political parties in the next Assembly election.

The silence of the BJP leaders over the demand has also been questioned by the religious heads and Sri Siddarama Swami has given a call to them to think of the community’s interests instead of their party. BJP leaders now seem to be in a dilemma about whether they should follow the party diktat or listen to the religious heads of their community.

Politically, the rally is also crucial for Congress as two Lingayat Ministers of the Siddaramaiah Cabinet have sided with the Virakta Mutts on the demand for Lingayata Dharma and it is no secret that along with them several Congress leaders too are involved in the preparations for the rally to be held on Tuesday. While Mr. Siddaramaiah has not taken any stand as of now, considering the sensitivity involved, there are Lingayat leaders in the Congress who too want to distance themselves from the issue and are in the same dilemma as that of Lingayat leaders in the BJP.