Whether Lingayatism is a separate religion or not it is going to help this party

Lingayat Jagadguru Mata Mahadevi has said Lingayatism should be given the status of an independent religion Many people have come out in support of Mata and have demanded an independent religious status Congress is seen encashing on the issue and supporting the movement of Lingayats But BJP is mum as if their support will harm the concept of Hinduism But if they don't support they might lose on the Lingayat vote bank

Lingayat Jagadguru Mata Mahadevi has courted the controversy again by saying that Lingayat should be given the status of an independent religion. She refuted the argument that Lingayatism comes under Hinduism.

Speaking to Mohammed Yacoob of Asianet Newsable, Prakash Angadi, Owner Channabasaveshwara Uttara Karnataka Ootada Mane said, "It is very right to demand a separate religious status for Lingayat. The teachings by Basavanna is very simple that is everyone is the same and even downtrodden must be respected and embraced. We all go by this. Our way of life is different from the Hindu dharma. Hence we should be accorded with separate religious identity. It is time for various sects among the Lingayats to come under a single banner and raise the genuine demand."

Like Prakash, many people have come out in support of Mata and have demanded an independent status of a separate religion to Linglingayatism. However, those who have been talking a lot these days, especially BJP leaders are seen keeping silent in this regard.

When it came to Hinduism, especially during the Kalladka fight where an RSS member was killed in Mangaluru, BJP leaders including Yeddyurappa and Shobha Karnadlaje have repeatedly asked the youths to support Hinduism.

But BS Yeddyurappa being a Lingayat himself has not issued statements in this regard. His silence has turned as a positive sign for the Congress who has supported the argument of separating Lingayatism from Hinduism and giving it an independent religious status.

Considering the vote bank, it looks like supporting Lingayats in their demand to have a separate religion will help Congress and BJP is stuck as if it supports the Lingayat movement, it will go against its Hinduism propaganda. If they do not support, a party might miss out on the large Lingayat vote bank.