BENGALURU: As the debate of granting a separate religion tag for Lingayats hots up, Water Resources Minister M B Patil jumped into the fray on Tuesday saying that Lingayat had all the distinct characteristics to qualify as a separate religion.
Speaking to reporters, Patil who belongs to the Lingayat community said the demand for the status of an independent religion was not new. Explaining that the Lingayat religion came into existence during the 12th century, the Minister asserted that
Lingayat was a separate religion like Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism or Islam.
“Basavanna had floated the Lingayat religion which was more radical and inclusive in nature. It has distinctive characteristics of equality and respect for all sections in the society. The vachanas scripted by various noble persons and votaries of Basavanna are the religious script of Lingayats,” he said.
Taking exception to a statement issued by Pejawar seer of the Udupi mutt that Lingayats are part of the Hindu religion, he said, “Let the Udupi seer not meddle with the Lingayats. We can look for guidance and advice from towering religious personalities among the Lingayats, including that of Siddaganga, Suttur, Murugha mutt and other Lingayat heads.”
Asked about his opinion on BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa who is opposed to the idea, he said, “Yeddyurappa is under the clutches of the RSS, which is against conferring the status of a separate religion on Lingayat. If he (Yeddyurappa) comes out of the influence of RSS, he will also support a separate religion tag for Lingayat.”