Govt out to divide Veerashaiva-Lingayats: Seer

In view of the upcoming Assembly elections, the state government has formed an expert panel on Lingayat religion tag in a haste. This is done to divide the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, said, Rambapuri Peeth seer Veerasomeshwar Shivacharya Swami.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Veerashaiva-Lingayat awareness padayatra here on Saturday, the seer said, "The government has unilaterally constituted the seven-member expert panel to look into demands for a minority religion tag for the Lingayat. It has not even bothered to elicit views and suggestions of Akila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha president Shamnur Shivashankarappa. The seven panelists are not fully aware of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat dharma and the traditions."

"We do not have any objections if the government recommends for a separate religion status for Veerashaiva-Lingayata dharma. But we are against the government's move to divide Veerashaiva-Lingayat dharma and accord separate religion status to Lingayats. The mutt heads and the pontiffs from across the state will hold a meeting in Gadag on Sunday and take an appropriate decision on the issue," he said.

Chandrashekar Shivacharya Swami of Kashi Peeth, Chennasiddarama Panditaaradhya Swami of Srishail Peeth, Dingaleshwar Swami of Balehosur among others were present.