Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed questions on the demand to recognise Lingayats as a separate religion on Sunday, saying that he personally does not have a fixed stance. “The demand for Lingayats to be a separate religion is a matter of foreground. Neither foreground nor background. Some reclusive Swamijis talk about it,” he remarked.
When Minister Shivaraj Thangadgi mentioned that journalists were seeking his opinion, Siddaramaiah responded, “Aye! I don’t have a stand on it. The people’s stand is my stand.” Thangadgi concurred, noting that the government’s position aligns with the perspective of the people. The Chief Minister also clarified that there would be no “kranti” (revolution) or “pranti” involved in the matter.
The demand for separate recognition gained attention at the valedictory function of the ‘Basava Culture Campaign-2025’, organised by Lingayat Matadeeshara Okkoota. During the event, the community passed five resolutions, including one calling for greater awareness and recognition of Lingayats as a distinct religion.
The issue has a politically sensitive history. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in 2018 had recommended granting ‘religious minority’ status to Lingayats, a move believed to have contributed to electoral losses in Lingayat-dominated constituencies.
The community remains divided on the matter: one faction considers Lingayats and Veerashaivas as the same, while another seeks separate recognition, viewing Veerashaivas as just one of the seven Shaiva sects within Hinduism. This division was evident during Sunday’s event, as BJP-aligned leaders and members of the Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha chose not to attend.
