National News: The Karnataka government's survey has sparked a new debate in the Lingayat community. A large section wants them to be given a separate status from Hinduism. On the other hand, many leaders are saying that Lingayats should be counted as part of Hinduism. This difference of opinion has now wilt a uncontrived political issue. Forest Minister of Siddaramaiah government, Ishwar Khandre said that in the survey, write 'other' in the religion post and describe oneself as Veerashaiva-Lingayat. He moreover said that Lingayat or Veerashaiva will have to be entered in the caste post and sub-caste in the third column. This statement created increasingly controversy.
BJP's counter-attack
BJP leaders have strongly criticized this suggestion. They speak that the Congress wants to divide Hindu votes by raising this issue. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha is standing with the Congress and this is an struggle to mislead the society.
The Constitution Argument
Bommai said that only six religions are mentioned in the Constitution, so writing the name of any new religion will create confusion. BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra moreover unmistakably said that we are Hindus and our identity should remain the same. He accused the Congress of hatching a conspiracy.
Separate identity of Lingayats
The Lingayat polity believes that they are not a part of Hinduism. They believe in Shiva as God, do not worship idols and reject the caste system. This is the reason why there has been a demand for a separate religion for a long time, but they are still counted as a sub-caste.
Politics of Siddharamaya
The opposition alleges that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is using this caste survey for his political advantage. Congress wants the Lingayat vote wall to come in its favour. But this move may retroaction as the society seems to be divided from within.
Karnataka Caste Survey Debate Intensifying
This unshortened controversy has shaken up politics in Karnataka. Congress is hoping that the survey will support it, while BJP is calling it an wade on Hinduism. This debate will intensify in the coming days and it can have a uncontrived impact on the turnout elections.
