BJP leaders may be thanking CM for Lingayat agitation?

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to take Lingayats' demand for a separate religion status to the Centre The Congress' move has shocked the BJP but this has reportedly brought cheers among certain BJP leaders Some of the BJP leaders feel that the Congress move would certainly cause a dent in Yeddyurappa's image

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may have dealt a heavy blow to the BJP, especially BS Yeddyurappa - the prominent face of Lingayat community - by taking up the cause of Lingayats who are demanding for a separate religion. But it is reported that the Congress' move has come as a blessing in disguise for certain BJP leaders, who were reportedly upset with the growing cult of Yeddyurappa in the community.

Yeddyurappa, a Lingayat himself, enjoys unstinted support from various Lingayat mutts in the state, thanks to his generous contributions to these religious institutions. Even the community rallies behind the BJP leader who played a key role in forming the first BJP government in the South.

Although, there are other Lingayat leaders in the state BJP, perhaps, no one has gained importance in the community like Yeddyurappa. Yeddyurappa's over-confidence over the community's support was always envied by his own party men, reports Kannada Prabha.

With Siddaramaiah's move to support separate religion status for Lingayats, the BJP leaders feel that this could certainly cause a dent in Yeddyurappa's cult image within the community and also in the party, reports Kannada Prabha.

For Yeddyurappa, either supporting or discouraging the Lingayats' call for separate religion is a double-edged sword and he has to tread cautiously. His move may have major impact on the party's prospects in the next elections. Also, Yeddyurappa is being projected as the next chief minister in the state, if BJP comes to power. Considering this, Yeddyurappa is reportedly busy chalking out strategies to counter the Congress' efforts to woo the community. He has reportedly asked the party leaders to go on state tour - to counter the Congress' leaders plan - to dissuade community members from falling prey to the Congress' move that will ultimately divide the community, reports Kannada Prabha.