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Key Points

The Karnataka BJP has strongly criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for declaring Lingayat as a separate religion. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra questioned the timing and intentions behind this controversial statement. The issue has sparked internal conflict within Congress, with ministers from the Lingayat community expressing differing views. This reignites a 2017 controversy that had been shelved after causing electoral setbacks for the Congress party.

Key Points: BJP Slams Siddaramaiah Over Separate Lingayat Religion Remarks

  • BJP questions Siddaramaiah's inner intentions behind separate religion declaration
  • Party warns against dividing Hindu society through religious categorization
  • Criticism extends to caste census methodology and implementation timeline
  • Internal Congress conflict emerges between Lingayat community ministers
  • Historical context of 2017 separate religion proposal that failed
  • Metro renaming controversy adds to political tensions in Karnataka
3 min read

Karnataka BJP slams Siddaramaiah for his 'separate religion for Lingayats' remarks

Karnataka BJP questions CM Siddaramaiah's intentions on separate Lingayat religion and Metro renaming, warning against dividing Hindu society.

"We must protect the Hindu religion today and be alert to attempts to divide it - B.Y. Vijayendra"

Bengaluru, Oct 6

Karnataka BJP has strongly criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for stating that ‘Lingayat is a separate religion’ and for assuring that the 'Namma Metro' name will be changed to 'Basava Metro,' questioning the Chief Minister’s inner intentions.

Speaking to the media on Monday, the BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, during the inauguration of the BLA-1 state-level workshop held at the Bharat Scouts and Guides Bhavan, stated, "Protecting all communities and religions should be the foremost duty of the Chief Minister. While we welcome naming the Metro station after Basaveshwara, the public must be aware of what is in Siddaramaiah’s mind." Vijayendra said that while public statements are one thing, the Chief Minister must reveal his inner intentions.

"The call for a separate religion has resurfaced. I have observed this in newspapers. The discussion on the Veerashaiva-Lingayat or Lingayat religion has again come to the forefront, and the public is aware of who is speaking on this issue in the backdrop," he stated.

“We must protect the Hindu religion today and be alert to attempts to divide it. At the same time, efforts must be made to unite society. Among all communities—including Scheduled Castes, backward classes, Vokkaliga, and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities—there are economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged groups. Justice must be provided to all communities. Why is Siddaramaiah in such a hurry?” he questioned.

He further criticised the caste census, stating that in some areas, even differently-abled individuals are being included improperly. “There is no proper preparation; yet the Chief Minister insists it must be completed within 15 days. Some forces are even trying to divide society. They are attempting to undermine the Hindu religion. Similar conspiracies and attempts have occurred in the past, but they were unsuccessful. It will not succeed in the future either,” he added.

The statement by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that Lingayat is a separate religion has sparked a clash of words between two senior Congress ministers—Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil and Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre, both hailing from the Lingayat community, in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah made the statement that Lingayats are a separate religion on Sunday in Bengaluru. The issue, raised by the Congress-led government in 2017, had been set aside following the electoral setback. Siddaramaiah had then recommended to the Centre that Lingayats be declared a separate religion. Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar had apologised to the public for attempting to create a separate religion for Lingayats. However, the controversy has resurfaced.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why is this issue resurfacing now? It feels like political distraction from real development issues. Karnataka needs better infrastructure and jobs, not religious controversies.
M
Michael C
As someone who has studied Indian religions, Lingayats have distinct practices and philosophy from mainstream Hinduism. The debate should be about theological differences, not politics.
S
Shreya B
Naming Metro after Basaveshwara is good, but changing existing names creates unnecessary confusion. Focus on improving public transport services instead of symbolic gestures 🚇
V
Vikram M
BJP is right to question the timing. This issue was settled in 2017 and caused Congress electoral damage. Why reopen it now? Seems like political miscalculation by Siddaramaiah government.
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, I disagree with the BJP's approach. Instead of accusing, they should engage in constructive dialogue. Every community has the right to self-identify. Let's focus on unity in diversity that makes India great 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
The real issue is caste census methodology, not religious identity. If differently-abled people are being wrongly included, that needs fixing. Let's address practical governance issues rather than emotional debates.

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