R V Deshpande not okay with DKS's Lingayat statement

Revenue minister R V Deshpande on Saturday ticked off water resources minister D K Shivakumar over his statement regarding the religious minority status recommendation to the Lingayat Community by stating that there was no need to give a personal opinion about a decision taken by the cabinet.

Speaking to media persons at Hubballi Airport on Saturday, he said the decision regarding granting separate religious status was taken during the cabinet meeting, which Shivakumar was also part of. If he had objections it could have been raised there. But now it is not right to raise an objection after the decision has already been sent to the union government for approval.

Commenting on the Sabarimala row over not allowing women to worship even after Supreme Court orders, Deshpande said no matter what, atrocities against women is unacceptable in society. No religion should keep women out from praying. Law and order should be maintained at the shrine, he added.

He said a review petition has been filed in the Supreme Court. "The apex court should also consider the religious sentiments of people and take a proper decision which also respects the 1000-year-old tradition," said Deshpande.