If state and central governments do not respond we will go to Supreme Court: Lingayats

Until the State Government awards the minority religion status to Lingayat there is no question of approaching Central Government. Only after the State Government agrees the Central Government will be approached. If both State and Central Governments do not respond positively then we go to Supreme Court, clarified ministers M B Patil and Vinay Kulkarni, reported Kannada Prabha.

They were speaking at a joint press meet held on Monday and said an appeal has already been submitted to the State Government in this regard by the Lingayats.  The Veerashaivas have also submitted a separate appeal.  They have advised the Chief Minister to set up an expert committee as to not get confused.  Both expressed confidence that the State Government would honor their appeal.

There are 99 sub-communities in Lingayat, including the Veerashaiva.  Panchamasali, Banajiga, Jangama, Aradhya, Kuduokkaliga, Shivashimpi and other totally 99 sub communities all come under Lingayat.  There are documents and proofs.  Just like according independent religion status to Jains, Sikh and Buddhist Lingayats are also asking for independent religious status.

By according independent status to other religions, the Hindu religion has not suffered any loss, neither the minority religions feel threatened.  According independent status to Lingayats will in no way harm the other religions. Until now the other religions have not opposed our stand.  It is only Veerashaivas who are creating confusion.  BJP State President b S Yeddyurappa has said that Veearshaivas are a part of Hinduism. So he will not join us. If both Yeddyurappa and Jagadish Shettar can accept to be included under Lingayats we welcome them, they explained.

Shivayoga Mandira president Halakere Annadanishwara Swami has accused that thinker Dr M M Kalburgi split Veerashaiva Lingayat religion.  We strongely condemn that.  Dr M M Kalburgi was a real propagator of Lingayat religion. 

He revealed the mask of the Vedic religion. In fact he initiated the awareness among Lingayats.  Annadaneishwaraswamy has also challenged that those who declare Veerashaiva and Linagyat as separate should prepare for election.  We accept the challenge, they said.

M B Patil challenged that until now from Veerendra Patil, J H Patel to M B Patil, Vinay Kulkarni everybody have got the seat on Lingayat quota. If Veerashaiva want they can claim their quota. Lingayats are originally Kannadigas whereas Veerashaivas are migrants from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, he said.

Meanwhile at Bagalkote a massive rally called Guru-Virakta Sadbhavana Samavesha was held at Badami at Shivayoga Mandira, in which 15000 seers and 50,000 people participated.  Not only from State but also from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra people assembled.  

Criticising Mathe Mahadevi and others Balehonnur Rambhapuri Swamy said Veerashaiva is the original religion and not Lingayat.  Basavanna should not be restricted to one religion or community.  He accepted Veerashaiva religion and led everybody on the path of salvation. Hence he should not be blemished, he said.

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