Is the K’taka BJP Right in Claiming that the Cong Govt is Dividing the Veerashaiva-Lingayat Community?

Bengaluru, Sep 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has accused the Congress-led administration, headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of attempting to fracture the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community under the guise of the Socio-Economic and Education Survey, commonly referred to as the caste census.

It is important to highlight that the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community serves as a foundational support base for the BJP in Karnataka.

During a media briefing after a meeting of prominent leaders at Gold Finch Hotel in Bengaluru, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra remarked, "The mindset of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is to execute the caste census to fragment the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. This initiative is part of a calculated scheme aimed at splitting the Veerashaiva-Lingayat society."

He also recalled that during Siddaramaiah's previous tenure as Chief Minister, there was a bold attempt to declare Veerashaiva Lingayat as a distinct religion to further divide society, which ultimately failed. Alleging that the current government is now pledging a social, economic, and educational survey, he claimed that yet another effort is underway to divide the Veerashaiva Lingayat community.

Vijayendra emphasized that the focus should be on resolving societal discord, unifying the community, and advancing it in a positive direction. Senior leaders should engage in dialogue with key figures from the Veerashaiva Mahasabha, Panch Peethadhishwars, and spiritual leaders of various mathas to set aside internal divisions and move forward collectively in the best interest of the community and the state.

Regarding the unanimous decision made in Tuesday's meeting, he mentioned that they would confer with pontiffs and other dignitaries, reaffirming their commitment to maintain societal unity.

He criticized the state government for conducting a caste census without any constitutional or legal backing. Under the guise of a survey, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress administration has initiated this caste census, which he claims is driven by conspiratorial motives.

Vijayendra also pointed out that the categories listed, including Hindu, Islam, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Atheist, and Others, are problematic, stating that even the inclusion of "Others" is unlawful.

The meeting saw participation from former Chief Ministers B.S. Yediyurappa, Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister V. Somanna, and notable leaders like Prabhakar Kore and Vijay Sankeshwar, along with key representatives from the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. He concluded that various welfare issues concerning the community were deliberated, leading to a conclusive decision.