The demand for granting Lingayats minority religion status has resurfaced in Karnataka, gaining attention amid the ongoing Socioeconomic and Educational Survey by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. The Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha has asked followers of Basavanna, the 12th-century founder of Lingayatism, to mark their religion as “others” in the survey.
Prominent seers and community leaders reiterated the call for recognition at the Basava Culture Campaign-2025 valedictory function in Bengaluru, organised by the Lingayat Matadeeshara Okkoota. A five-point resolution highlighted the need to promote awareness about Lingayatism and secure government recognition. The faith, rooted in equality, brotherhood, and human values, was founded by Basavanna and the Sharanas to oppose caste-based hierarchies, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the event.
Seer Basavalinga Pattadevaru expressed confidence that Lingayatism would eventually gain recognition as a separate religion. BJP state president B Y Vijayendra criticized the move, calling it an attempt to divide Hindus in Karnataka, while Siddaramaiah clarified he had no personal stand on the issue.
The ongoing survey could reflect the community’s sentiment on the separate religion demand. Historically, efforts to grant minority status to Lingayats, initiated during Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure, had political implications, reportedly affecting Congress in Lingayat-dominated constituencies. The debate remains politically sensitive, balancing religious identity and electoral considerations.
