JLM appeals to drop the word ‘Veerashaiva’ from Mahasabha

Hubballi: A faction of Lingayats has approached the court questioning the move to rename Akhil Bharata Lingayat Mahasabha.
M V Gongadashetti, vice president of Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha (JLM), told reporters on Wednesday that the name Akhil Bharat Lingayat Mahasabha has existed for years. “However, some leaders recently renamed it Akhil Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha. Veerashaiva is a Lingayat sect, and there is plenty of evidence, references, and the Union government directives to prove it. Even though there was a resolution in 1940 to restrict the use of this word, it persisted. Hence, the word 'Veerashaiva' should be removed from Mahasabha's name.” he added.
Gongadashetti, who is also president of Dharwad District unit of JLM, said that JLM has filed a suit in the court and is expecting the verdict in its favour. “We are not opposed to anyone. We, too, wish to bring all community members under the umbrella of ‘Lingayatism.’ However, there is factual inaccuracy in the new nomenclature. Basavanna, a twelfth-century social reformer, founded Lingayatism, and Veerashaiva was merely a subset of Lingayatism. Our contention is that Akhil Bharat Lingayat Mahasbha, not 'Veerashaiva Lingayat,' should be used.” he added.
“Our objectives are clear. We want the status of an independent religion for Lingayatism. If that happens then there is no question of seeking any other reservation. However, until that happens, we support the demand of Veerashaiva Mahasabha on their demand for inclusion of all sub-sects in the central OBC list”, he said.
Other office-bearers including BV Shirur, SV Kotagi, SV Jodalli, Lingashetti and others were present in the press meet.