GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 18th Sept: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Economic Advisor, Basavaraj Rayareddy, has triggered a major political storm by asserting that “Lingayat is neither a caste nor a religion, but a movement based on ideology. Even Hinduism is a culture.” His statement comes at a sensitive time when the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes is conducting a socio-economic and educational survey, which includes details on caste and religion.
The remark has given fresh ammunition to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the ruling Congress of attempting to “divide Hindus” under the guise of the survey. The controversy also revives long-standing political tensions over the identity of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, one of the state’s most influential voter groups.
BJP Slams Congress Over ‘Divisive Agenda’
Reacting sharply, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government is trying to create fissures within Hindu society. “Their aim is to create divisions within the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, and this is not the first time. They have attempted it earlier as well,” he said.
Vijayendra further revealed that senior BJP leaders will soon meet Veerashaiva Mahasabha representatives and respected Swamijis and Jagadgurus to ensure that the community remains united in the face of what he called Congress’s “divisive politics.”
Former CM Bommai Seeks Clarification
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai joined the debate with a strong statement on X, urging the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha to clearly define its stance in line with constitutional and legal principles. Bommai stressed that the confusion in the usage of terms such as Veerashaiva, Lingayat, and Veerashaiva Lingayat only fuels division.
He also criticized the Congress-led government for including an atheist column in the socio-economic survey, calling it an indirect attempt to target CM Siddaramaiah’s long-debated ideological position.
Lingayat Leaders Strategize on Caste Census
The growing uproar prompted BJP Lingayat leaders to meet in Bengaluru on September 16 to deliberate on the caste census and its implications. At the meeting, leaders discussed how members of the community should register themselves in the survey to avoid fragmentation.
The Lingayat community, estimated to constitute around 17% of Karnataka’s population, has historically played a decisive role in state politics. With caste surveys and identity politics gaining momentum ahead of the next elections, both Congress and BJP are vying for their support.
Political Significance of the Row
Rayareddy’s comments have once again highlighted the political sensitivity of the Lingayat question in Karnataka. For decades, the community has oscillated between asserting its distinct identity and aligning with broader Hindu categories. While Congress has often sought to engage Lingayat leaders with recognition and representation, the BJP has largely benefited from the community’s consolidation in recent years.
Observers believe that the timing of the controversy—amid a high-stakes socio-economic survey—could significantly influence the state’s political narrative, especially as Karnataka remains a key battleground for both parties.
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