Lingayat Mahasabha cautions of protest if Center doesn't approve state's decision

Bengaluru: The Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha, on Saturday, stated that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are two different substances and that it would stage an intense protest if the Center neglects to give its approval for the decision made by the state cabinet to accord minority status to Lingayats. 

This comes a day after Akila Bharat Veerashaiva Mahasabha passed a nine-point resolution to keep Veerashaiva-Lingayat together and restore its interest for separate religion tag for the same, 

Lingayat Mahasabha General Secretary S M Jamdar addressing a press meet on Saturday stated, “There is no connection between the Lingayats and the Veerashaiva. We (Lingayats) are a different religion. We will launch an extreme protest if the Union government neglects to accord a religious minority status to Lingayats.” 

To an inquiry, the resigned IAS officer stated, ” We are against Panchacharyas. Who are they? They ought to elucidate whether they are Veerashaivas or Lingayats or Dalits. We respect the individuals who believe in Basava Tatva into Lingayat fold.” The Lingayats who are holding offices in Veerashaiva Mahasabha should quit their posts, he said. 

Supporters of the Lingayat religion preach and practice peace. They are a step superior to the Jains with regards to rehearsing peacefulness, he said to a question.