Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on 26 September 2026 called upon members of the Veerashaiva Lingayat community to set aside internal differences and stand united in protecting the faith, traditions, and institutions of the community. He was speaking at the Veerashaiva Lingayat Dharma Samrakshana Sammelana held at Sujnana Mantapa in Vijayanagar, Bengaluru.

Key Remarks at the Sammelana

Vijayendra described the Veerashaiva Lingayat community as one that has, for centuries, provided shelter and guidance to people from all sections of society through its traditions of Annadasoha (food service), Aksharadasoha (education), and Jnanadasoha (dissemination of knowledge). He said it was every member's responsibility to carry these traditions forward to future generations.

He also flagged concerns that attempts were reportedly being made — in the name of progressivism and rationalism — to distort the basic principles of the faith. Vijayendra called for open discussions on such issues, both on public platforms and within the community itself.

On Mutt Institutions and Their Challenges

Vijayendra underscored the centrality of Veerashaiva Lingayat mutts as institutions that provide guidance to the community. He noted that thousands of mutts across Karnataka were facing financial and social challenges, and urged community leaders to extend them necessary support. He recalled that during the tenure of his father and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, efforts were made to assist not just Veerashaiva Lingayat mutts but those of other communities as well.

'Politics comes and goes. Elections come and go. But the strength of mutts that show society the path of justice and provide guidance to all sections must remain,' Vijayendra said.

Community Unity and the Political Backdrop

The Veerashaiva Lingayat community has traditionally been a significant electoral support base for the BJP in Karnataka, and Vijayendra himself belongs to the community. This context lends political weight to his appeal for unity, even as he insisted that community issues should be viewed 'not from the perspective of political gains and losses but from the perspective of the community's rich heritage and the interests of future generations.'

Vijayendra also referenced his recent padayatra from Lingasugur to Ballari, describing the affection he received from people of various communities as an added responsibility. 'This affection is not limited to the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. I have seen the same trust among people from various communities across the state. It is my responsibility to preserve and strengthen that trust,' he said.

Call to Senior Leaders and Jagadgurus

Vijayendra called upon Jagadgurus, Haraguru Charamurtis, political leaders, and ordinary members alike to recognise their responsibilities and work together. He said he was speaking not merely as an MLA or BJP state president, but as 'the son of Yediyurappa, who had fought for farmers and society for decades.'

He assured that, with the blessings of the Jagadgurus, he would do his best in the coming days to provide necessary support to mutts across Karnataka. The road ahead, he argued, lies in preserving unity, religious traditions, and the strength of mutt institutions to pass on the community's heritage to future generations.