CM Siddaramaiah says the argument that Lingayat is a separate religion is correct He promised Lingayat leaders in Delhi that he would submit their proposal to the Centre to give it an independent religious status Seer Mathe Mahadevi, a prominent Lingayat leader, is spearheading the movement for separate religious status for Lingayats
After the demand for a separate religious status for Lingayats grows louder, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has now promised to take up their cause to the Centre.
Speaking after being felicitated at the Murugha Mutt in Dharwad on Thursday, Siddaramaiah said that "The Congress government will propose the Centre to provide a separate religious status to the Lingayats. Besides, the government is also keen to debate on this," Siddaramaiah said, reports Kannada Prabha.
In fact, various Lingayat groups including Akkana Balaga, Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat, Vishwa Lingayata Samiti Kendra and others had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister requesting him to take steps to separate Lingayat from Hindu religion.
It may be recalled here that thousands had gathered in Bidar on Wednesday to demand a separate religious status for Lingayats. They were led by seer Mathe Mahadevi who has been spearheading the movement of providing separate religious status for Lingayats. At the rally, Mathe Mahadevi had stated that "The term Lingayat is not attributed to any community, caste or clan. But this is an independent religion. But due to sheer ignorance of some, Lingayat has become a part of Hindu religion. At least, this should be stopped now. Lingayat should be declared as an independent religion and not part of Hindu religion."
Siddaramaiah was of the opinion that the argument that Lingayat is a religion is right. "There should not be any opposition to it. If Lingayats unite and urge, the State will take their demand to the Central government," he said, reports Kannada Prabha.
He further said that "He is the true follower of Basava teachings as he does not believe in any caste. But the Congress party and I are always there for the oppressed and down-trodden class. No one aspires to be born in any community. Even I did not wish to be born in Kuruba community."
