Lingayat letter controversy: Karnataka BJP calls for state-wide protest

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP, on Monday, called for a protest over the ongoing Lingayat letter controversy that stems from a "forged" letter allegedly sent by state minister MB Patil to Sonia Gandhi with suggestions to separate the Lingayat community for Congress to gain votes.

The Lingayats are the majority caste in northern Karnataka and are seen as a BJP's vote bank.

According to reports, MB Patil denied writing the letter. Two journalists were arrested in connection with the controversial issue and later released on bail.