What are the Lingayats demanding in Karnataka ahead of crucial assembly polls

This is a crucial issue for the BJP. If it gives in, then it would divert from its Hindutva agenda.

The Lingayats in Karnataka have demanded that they be categorised as a religious group separate from Hindus. Though they worship Shiva, they say that the concept of Ishta Linga or personal God, they cannot be attributed to the Hindu way of life. They cite the rules prescribed by the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara who had defied the caste system and vedic rituals.

A 40 year old demand has been raked up once again in Karnataka. It is significant in a lot of ways considering the assembly elections are round the corner. On July 20 a massive rally of Lingayats had been carried out in Bidar to make this demand. While the centre had earlier rejected this demand, the Akhila Bharata Veerashiva Mahasabha has petitioned the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah. The CM said that if all representatives submit a representation burying their differences, then he would forward the demand to the centre.

This demand is significant politically as well. The Lingayats comprise around 17 per cent of the population and their votes matter in over 100 constituencies. The BJP had come to power in 2018 with the backing of the Lingayat votes. In 2013, the BJP lost after B S Yeddyurappa who had broken away from the party took with him most of the Lingayat votes.

This is a crucial issue for the BJP. If it gives in, then it would divert from its Hindutva agenda. Not giving in would mean angering a large section of its voters. The BJP would now be faced with the challenge of tiding over this demand. It cannot remain a mute spectator to the issue. The party would have to offer something to keep the Lingayats happy. However for the BJP ignoring the issue is not the solution.

OneIndia News