Karnataka Elections 2023: Veerashaiva Lingayat forum extends support to Congress

In a major setback to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka, Veerashaiva Lingayat forum has offered to support Congress in the May 10 assembly elections.

"Karnataka Veerashaiva Lingayat forum issued an official letter extending its support to Congress in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections on May 10, " tweeted news agency ANI.

The forum urged the people of the Lingayat community to vote for Congress.

The Veerashaiva-Lingayat community that owes allegiance to the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara has a substantial population in Karnataka, especially in the northern parts of the state, has sided with the BJP.

Veerashaiva-Lingayats are estimated to form 17 percent of the state's population and considered to have a sway over 140 out of total 224 assembly constituencies in the state, and are decisive in about 90 seats.

The development comes days after prominent Laingayat leaders inclusing former chief minister Jagdish Shettar, former deputy CM Laxman Savadi, Nehru Olekar, NY Gopalakrishna switched over to the Congress after being denied tickets to contest the May 10 polls.

Jagadish Shettar had openly blamed BJP national organising secretary, B.L.Santhosh, a Brahmin, for his exit from the party and alleged he is set to destroy the Karnataka unit. The development also boosted to the narrative of Brahmin dominance over the Lingayats community in the BJP.

North Karnataka comprises Kittur Karnataka (Mumbai Karnataka) and Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad Karnataka) regions, further accounting for 13 districts and 90 Assembly seats.

At present, the BJP holds 52 seats from these regions, which are considered Lingayat strongholds, while the Congress has 32 seats and the JDS 6.