Lingayat religion demand has been made since 1940, says Karnataka minister Eshwar Khandre

After that in 2000, several Lingayat leaders and office-bearers of the Mahasabha travelled across the state to provide a separate column for Veerashaiva Lingayat religion in the decennial Census, the minister said. “Then in 2011, ahead of the Census, there was an effort made to secure religion status for Veerashaiva Lingayats,” he said.

In 2013, a proposal was sent to the Union Government, signed by elected representatives of the community cutting across party lines. “But the Central Government returned it seeking clarifications,” the minister said.

Since the proposal for Veerashaiva-Lingayat religion was rejected, prominent seers were of the view that it could be accepted if a petition was submitted for a separate Lingayat religion. “In the past, we also sent a proposal approved by the state Cabinet that Lingayatism should be considered a religion. However, it was not recognised,” he said.

The remarks gained significance in the wake of a conclave held on October 5 by seers from the community demanding Lingayat religion status. Moreover, the Mahasabha has asked Lingayats in the state to opt for “others” in the “religion” column in the ongoing Socioeconomic and Educational Survey conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes.

The Opposition BJP has decried the demand, calling it an attempt to divide the Hindu community for electoral gains.

From the homepage

‘There is confusion’: SC directs EC to give details of 3.66 lakh voters deleted from final Bihar electoral roll

Found dead with gunshot wound, IPS officer Puran Kumar was known for speaking up against caste bias, administrative issues

Removed after Rajasthan hospital blaze, doctor claims warnings about ‘current leakage’ were ignored