Mysuru, Oct 7 (IANS): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is a true follower of Basava Tatva which believes in taking everyone along, Karnataka Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has said.

He said this in the Basava Jayanti programme organised by the Akhila BharataVeerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, Veerashaiva-Lingayat Sanghas and Federation of Mysore Basava Balaga at Mysore Kalamandir on Saturday. The statement assumes importance in the backdrop of allegations by senior Congress leaders that Lingayats are snubbed under the Siddaramaiah government.

Lingayat Veerashaiva Mutts have provided Akshara and Anna Dasoha to communities belonging to all castes and religions.

The programmes implemented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are also applicable to all castes and religions which are according to the aspiration of Sharanas, he said.

Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made Sharana culture as a ritual of his life.

It is for the same reason that he has taken oath as Chief Minister on the day of Basava Jayanti. Being a follower of Sharana culture, Siddaramaiah issued orders for the Anna Bhagya scheme immediately after becoming the Chief Minister.

He also made Basavanna's photo mandatory in all the government offices.

In this way, the values of Vachana Kranti and Sharana culture are a part of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's life and practices, he explained.

The programme was held in the presence of prominent Linagayat seer Jagadguru Sri Shivratri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji.

Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa released the book "12ne Shatamanada Sharana Dampathigalu".