Members of Jagatika Lingayata Mahasabha (JLM) launched an indefinite demonstration at Jagat Circle here on Saturday demanding that the State government send its recommendations to the Union government for an independent religion status to Lingayatism.
The agitating leaders said that the expert committee constituted by the State government on the issue had studied the matter objectively and came to a conclusion that an independent minority religion status could be given to Lingayats. They held that it was the State government’s duty to forward the expert committee report, along with its recommendation in favour of it, to the Union government.
“The expert committee recommendation, which is satisfactory to us, is a result of several massive rallies that we had organised in Karnataka and Maharashtra demanding an independent religion status to Lingayat community. We are happy that the committee submitted its report in favour of our demand. Now, the State government shouldsubmit its recommendation to the Union government,” R.G. Shetagar, district president of the organisation, said.
Ravindra Shabadi, a leader of the outfit, said that the agitation would continue till the State Cabinet takes a favourable decision.
“The Cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held on March 14 and we are early waiting for it. If it takes a favourable decision, we will call off our agitation with a celebration. Otherwise, our dharna will continue,” Mr. Shabadi said.
Abhishekha
In another demonstration, members belonging to Pejawara Sri Sene performed ‘abhishekha’ to the photos of Ministers Eshwar Khandre and Shamanur Mallikarjun for their “courageous” stand against the State government’s attempts to get an independent minority religion tag to Lingayat community. Pots of milk and ghee were poured on their images printed on a banner at SVP Circle, hailing them as saviours of religion against “divisive” forces.
“In the recently held Cabinet meeting, the two Ministers strongly opposed the proposal of the State government. They also warned of resigning in case the State government sends the recommendation. In order to support, honour and encourage these two Ministers, we have performed abhisheka to their photos,” M.S. Patil Naribol, a BJP leader and the president of the outfit, said.
He also warned of intensified agitation against four Ministers – M.B. Patil, Sharan Prakash Patil, Vinay Kulkarni and Basavaraj Rayaraddi – who had vehemently argued for an independent religion status to Lingayat religion.
“These four Ministers are ignorant of religion. The expert committee constituted by the State government on the issue was ignorant of religious affairs. Based on the report of the committee, the government is making attempts to divide the community. If the Cabinet decides to recommend a minority religion tag for Lingayats, we will protest against the four Ministers,” Mr. Naribol warned.
