Govt decision height of injustice: Shamanur Shivashankarappa

Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha president Shamanur Shivashankarappa on Tuesday said that the Mahasabha was opposed to the point that only those who believed Basava philosophy would get religious minority recognition.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with pontiffs of Veerashaiva faith, he said: "We would have been happy had the state government recommended "religious minority" recognition to Lingayats and Veerashaivas. The inclusion of the point of Basava philosophy is wrong. It is up to people to believe Basava philosophy."

He termed the state government's decision as the height of injustice.

"I expressed happiness after glancing through media reports. After going through details of the report, I realised that the decision was one-sided," he said.

"The report claims that Veerashaiva faith was not in existence before the 12th century. Panchacharyas founded the Veerashaiva, which is ancient religion. We still stick to our stand that both Veerashaiva and Lingayat are one and the same. We will never approve the government's decision," he said.

Shivashankarappa added: "The Mahasabha has convened a meeting in Bengaluru on March 23 to discuss the government's decision. We will discuss the Mahasabha's next course of action in the meeting."