Bengaluru: On Tuesday, former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa accused the Karnataka state government of orchestrating a plan to divide the Veerashaiva Lingayat community through the ongoing caste census.
A significant meeting of BJP Lingayat leaders, chaired by Yediyurappa, was held in Bengaluru to address these concerns. Speaking at the event, Yediyurappa alleged that the state government’s caste survey is a deliberate attempt to fragment the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. He warned, “If we do not stand united now, future generations will not forgive us.” He announced plans to consult with representatives of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha, the Pancha Peethadeeshwaras, and the Swamijis of the Virakta Maths to reach a unified stance on the survey.
BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the inclusion of an “others” category in the survey, calling it unconstitutional. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of attempting to divide the Veerashaiva Lingayat community, a tactic he claimed failed during Siddaramaiah’s previous term. Vijayendra emphasized the need to resolve internal conflicts within the community, unite it, and guide it toward the welfare of the state.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai argued that while the central government is responsible for conducting the census, the state’s door-to-door caste survey violates the Census Act. He noted that the Constitution recognizes only six religions, yet the state’s survey includes categories such as “others” and “atheists.” Bommai questioned the inclusion of terms like “Christian Brahmins” and “Christian Lingayats,” asking, “Which part of the Constitution allows separate columns for those who have converted?” He condemned the survey as unconstitutional and highlighted concerns raised by several Swamijis about its shortcomings, urging corrective action.
Bommai further accused Siddaramaiah of working to divide the Veerashaiva Lingayat community for political gain. He stated, “The community is aware and will not fall prey to this political intrigue. In 2018, the people rejected efforts to divide our religion and society. Now, Siddaramaiah is repeating the same mistake. I am confident the community will reject his attempts to fragment society for political advantage.”
