Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Jun 11: "The central government has returned the proposal forwarded by the previous Congress-led state government to the centre with an eye on grabbing power, recommending to grant separate religious status for Lingayat. But the central government has since returned the proposal to the state," said former chief minister and BJP leader, Jagadish Shettar.

Speaking to media persons here at Hubballi on Sunday June 10, Shettar felt that the central government is not at fault in returning the proposal made by the Congress government to give separate religious statuses to Veerashaiva and Lingayat sects. "There was vested interest of Congress leaders in the idea behind this agitation and making recommendation for separate religion status. The Congress leaders thought they could win the election if they projected themselves as champions of Lingayat. But their plan boomeranged," he analyzed.

Jagadish Shettar from BJP and Shyamanur Shivashankarappa from Congress

Shettar explained that only a few leaders took lead roles in the agitation seeking separate religion status for Lingayat, and most of the Lingayat legislators and leaders had stayed away from the agitation. He noted that several Swamijis too had supported Congress and JD(S) leaders who fought for Lingayat. Shettar felt that the Swamijis and legislators who fought for Lingayat cause then should now resume their fight and carry on with their agitation if they have genuine concerns for the Lingayat.

Commenting on the development, national president of Akhil Bharat Veerashaiva Mahasabha, former minister and MLA, Dr Shyamanur Shivashankarappa, expressed the view that the central government did the right thing by sending back the Lingayat proposal to the state. He said that in his opinion, it would be in the interests of everyone if people of both Lingayat and Veerashaiva faiths together approach the central government for recognition. "We fully support the idea if Veerashaiva and Lingayat people come together. We can sit around and discuss future course of action. I do not look at the union government's decision either as victory or defeat of some sections. Let us unite and fight for our own good," he said.

Shivashankarappa further said that he is ready to hold discussions on the issue with leaders of the two sections if Jamdar, who spearheaded Lingayat religion proposal, is prepared for these discussions. At the same time he said no discussions will take place if there are preconditions. "Veerashaiva-Lingayat is not the property of some individuals, it belongs to the entire society. Jamdar did not help anyone when he was in power. How can one hope that he would do so now, when he lacks power?" he countered.