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Key Points

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has weighed in on the ongoing Veerashaiva-Lingayat religious identity debate. He emphasized that the community itself must decide whether these are separate religions or the same. Parameshwara defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's participation in the Basava cultural campaign, stating he didn't discuss religious matters. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have accused the government of attempting to divide the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community through the caste census exercise.

Key Points: Parameshwara Says Veerashaiva-Lingayat Decision Must Come From Community

  • Parameshwara clarifies Veerashaiva-Lingayat religious identity confusion must be resolved
  • Defends CM Siddaramaiah's attendance at Basava cultural event
  • BJP accuses government of dividing communities through caste census
  • Basavaraj Bommai demands immediate halt to divisive survey exercise
2 min read

Decision should be made by community itself: Parameshwara on Veerashaiva-Lingayat issue

Karnataka Home Minister clarifies religious identity confusion, defends CM Siddaramaiah amid BJP accusations of community division through caste census.

"This decision should be made by the community itself - G Parameshwara"

Bengaluru, October 7

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that it must be clarified whether the Veerashaiva-Lingayat religion and the Lingayat religion are the same or different religions. He stressed that this decision must be made by the community itself.

"First, it must be clarified whether the Veerashaiva-Lingayat religion and the Lingayat religion are the same or different. This decision should be made by the community itself. Lingayats and Veerashaivas keep saying every day that they are different from each other. If this confusion is resolved first, everything else will fall into place," Parameshwara said.

He defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks at the closing ceremony of the Basava cultural campaign.

"The Chief Minister attended the Basava Culture Campaign event because he was invited. But the CM did not speak about any religious matters there. He did not talk about religion or religious issues," Karnataka Home Minister said.

His statement comes after Siddaramaiah said, "Caste system is rooted in our society. To uproot this caste system, Basavanna launched a separate religion (Lingayat)."

Last month, BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra had accused CM Siddaramaiah of attempting to divide Lingayats and Veerashaivas through the caste census, claiming it is designed to divide the Veerashaiva community further.

He referred to Siddaramaiah's previous tenure as Chief Minister, during which efforts were made to declare Veerashaiva Lingayat as a separate religion--a move that failed and backfired. Vijayendra alleged that once again, under the pretence of conducting a socio-economic and educational survey, the government is attempting another divisive action against the Veerashaiva Lingayat community.

Vijayendra emphasised the need to resolve internal conflicts within the community, unite it, and guide it in the right direction for the welfare of both the community and the state. He proposed discussions with senior leaders of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha, Panch Peethadishwars, and Swamijis of Virakta Mutts, aiming for collective action that transcends sub-group differences.

Another BJP leader, Basavaraj Bommai, who was also present during the meeting, launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying that he has "no right" to conduct a survey or census.

"Siddaramaiah has no right to conduct a survey or census. They are trying to divide all the communities, including the Backwards classes and the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. This survey should be stopped. Siddaramaiah should stop this exercise to divide the communities...," Bommai told reporters.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone from the community, I appreciate Parameshwara's balanced approach. We've been confused about this distinction for too long. Let the community elders and religious heads decide, not politicians with vested interests.
M
Michael C
While I respect the minister's position, I'm concerned that political parties will still try to influence the process. The BJP and Congress both seem to be playing politics with religious identity in Karnataka.
P
Priya S
Basavanna's vision was to create a casteless society. Now we're debating whether we're one community or two? The irony is painful. Let's focus on his teachings rather than these artificial divisions.
A
Arjun K
This issue keeps resurfacing before every election. Both communities follow Basavanna's principles - that's what matters most. Political parties should stop using our religious identity as a bargaining chip.
K
Karthik V
Good that Parameshwara clarified that CM didn't speak about religious matters at the event. The media often twists statements to create controversies. Let the community decide internally without political interference.

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