Lingayat religion demand politically motivated: Seer

Adrushya Kadsiddeshwar Swamiji from Shree Kshetra Siddhagiri Mahasansthan in Kolhapur alleged that retired IAS officer S M Jamdar and some pontiffs demanding independent religion status for Lingayat was politically motivated. The demand does not benefit the community, he added.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, the seer said Lingayats were a sect among Hindus and wish to remain so. "We all follow Hinduism and there is no confusion," he added.

Basaveshwara had not renounced Hinduism. "I am ready for a public debate on this if Jamdar fixes the date and time," he dared separatists.

Lingayats are being misled with a false hope that minority status will be accorded to the community and it will enjoy all the trappings that come with such a status. "It might benefit educational institutions and not the community as a whole. The Supreme Court has dismissed eight such petitions," the seer noted.

The Swamiji demanded to know how many non-jangams have become seers at Virakt mutt and Hiremath mutt. He demanded Shivayogi Mandir president Sanganabasvana Swamiji provide this information. "Those from Jangam community are given opportunity at Shivayogi Mandir and non-Jangams are sidelined," he remarked.

Decisions taken at the Moorsavirmath in Hubballi in February 2017 should be made known by Shivayogi Mandir. The community needs to know. "Siddharama Swamiji who was president for two years was removed for what reasons?"

As an alternative, a federation of like-minded seers has been formed. As many as 50 will be women seers and another 400, seers of various castes.

To make these decisions known to the people, a convention of devotees has been organised at Kaneri Mutt, Kolhapur on July 10 and 11, Adrushya Kadsiddeshwar Swamiji stated.