Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M.B. Patil rued the absence of unity among the Lingayats and said that the community was a divided lot due to the proliferation of sub-sects.
He was speaking at the Veershavia Lingayat Global Business Conclave organised by the International Lingayat Youth Forum here on Friday. “The present situation of the community was similar to what existed more than 100 years ago when the Lingayats were divided, and an institutional effort was made by establishing Veerashaiva Mahasabha to unite them,” he said.
Mr. Patil said the division due to the emergence of sub-castes was mainly to avail benefits of reservation and cautioned that the community would cease to be a potent political force if it was not united.
At present, the Lingayats and Veerashaivas constitute 17% of the population, and this number can increase if all the sub-sects also identify themselves as Lingayats, said the minister.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra said Lingayats have a history of providing education and food through religious institutions across Karnataka and beyond. The community is a provider and not known for demanding things, said Mr. Vijayendra and urged the Lingayat entrepreneurs to create and provide jobs to eligible persons in society irrespective of their caste.
He said entrepreneurs should not only thrive in their businesses but have also the responsibility to set aside the internal differences of the community and strive to unite them. The unity within the Lingayat community will also augur well for the future of the State, he added.
Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Mutt was present.
The organisers said that the initiative is also an attempt to encourage entrepreneurship among the community members.
Before addressing the gathering, Mr. Patil told media persons that what is referred to as the caste census report will be tabled in the next Cabinet committee meeting, and only then will the findings and the pros and cons be clear. He expressed confidence that there would be no injustice to any community.
The Minister said in the general census, people had identified themselves under various sub-sects and hence an appeal has been made to the government to discount the sub-sects and count them under a common head.
Published - January 17, 2025 07:26 pm IST
