From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 10: Unless contradicted, the statement by Karnataka’s Water Resources Minister M B Patil, a Lingayat and a strong votary for the demand for the separate religion tag for Lingayats, that the most influential seer of the influential Siddaganga Math of Lingayats Dr Shivakumara Swamiji has extended his support for the demand for a separate religion status for Lingayats could prove to be the biggest shot in the arm for the campaign.

Patil, who spoke to reporters on Sunday after a meeting with the revered Swamiji of the Siddaganga Math, that the 101 year old seer has supported the demand for a separate religion tag for Lingayats.

It may be recalled that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had publicly promised to forward to the Centre if there is a consensus in the community.

Patil, who has been advocating separate tag for Lingayats, met the seer after a function in Tumakuru and held detailed discussions with the latter.

The Minister said Dr Shivakumara Swami, who was spiritual head of the Lingayat/Veerashaiva community in the State, came out of support to the Lingayat community’s cause for separate religion.

When the Minister persistently asked the seer whether he was supporting the religious tag for Lingayat/Veerashaiva, the seer repeatedly said he was supporting the separate religion for Lingayats only.

"Lingayat is the independent religion," said the seer, the minister claimed.

"Today is my happiest moments in life," he said pointing out that "The modern Basava (Shivakumara Swami) has supported the cause for separate tag of our community."

"Nobody is above the seer, his views are final," the Minister said.

Asked whether he would consult the Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha or any expert on the issue, Patil said:

"There is no need of any consultation in the future. No need of any intellectual opinion."

"The seer is the highest order and his opinion is final," the minister asserted.