BENGALURU: Remarks made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, suggesting that social reformer Basavanna envisioned Lingayat as a distinct religion, have reignited a longstanding debate within the Congress party. This has led to a contentious exchange between two Lingayat ministers, MB Patil and Eshwar Khandre.
In 2017, Siddaramaiah had advocated for separate religious status for Lingayats, a position for which the Congress later apologized following their loss in the 2018 state elections. Following the Chief Minister’s recent comments, Industries Minister MB Patil emphasized that while all Indians share geographical ties and Hindus share a faith, Lingayats, akin to Jains and Sikhs, exist outside the caste system of Hinduism. He noted that the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha was unified on this principle.
In response, Minister Eshwar Khandre countered that the Veerashaiva and Lingayat communities are inseparable and entitled to acknowledgment of their unique customs. He urged for a differentiated category in the upcoming caste survey to reflect this.
BJP Chief BY Vijayendra criticized Siddaramaiah, alleging that the Chief Minister’s comments were an attempt to fracture the unity of Hinduism.
