New Delhi: The Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka has approved the demand of the Lingayat community to be recognised as a separate religion and written to the Centre seeking a nod. The decision comes just ahead of the election to the Karnataka assembly and is likely to have an impact on the results.
The move came on the heels of a long cabinet meeting and interactions with the leaders of the Lingayat community, which comprises close to 17% of Karnataka’s population. The group is considered politically as well economically significant in the state.
The demand for the recognition of the Lingayat community as a separate religion had been long pending. The ruling Congress had constituted Justice Nagamohan Das Committee to examine the nitty-gritty of this call. After a thorough study of the community’s request, Justice Das recommended the government accord the Lingayat community the status of a separate religion.
The committee said, “Lingayats in Karnataka may be considered a religious minority. Veerashaivas, who consider Basavanna dharma guru, believe in vachanas as a sacred text and wear Ishta Linga may be considered as Lingayats”.
The Lingayat community venerates philosopher Basavanna who is credited with giving the group a definite shape while it broke away from Hinduism. Basavanna, it is said, was a vocal critic of the caste system and envisioned a society based on freedom, equality and rationality.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has opposed the demand of the Lingayat community, saying it will divide the Hindu religion.