Lingayat community demands minority status

PUNE: The Lingayat Samanvay Samiti organised a protest march in the city to press for their demand of constitutional status and minority status to the community on Sunday. 

Members and clergies from the community participated in the protest. 

The march began at the Basaveshwar Maharaj statue, off Bajirao Road, and ended near Council Hall. Around 50 Dharmagurus from Pune city and surrounding areas were joined by lakhs of community members from across the State, as well as from Karnataka and Telangana. Several eminent personalities from the community were also present on the occasion.

“Like Karnataka, Maharashtra government should also recognise the Lingayat community and make recommendations to the Central government to give us minority status,” said the protesters.

Another important demand includes recognition of the community for the upcoming 2021 national census. 

The Lingayat community has been protesting across the country in Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.