Bengaluru (Karnataka) – The Lingayat community in Karnataka has once again renewed its demand for recognition as a separate religion. In this regard, the Lingayat Mathadheeshwar Okkuta (association of Lingayat saints) organised an event titled Basava Sanskruti Abhiyan 2025, during which the demand for granting Lingayats a distinct religious status was raised.
When asked about his stance on the matter, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “I have no personal opinion on this issue. The opinion of the people is my opinion. The caste-based census is currently underway; we will see how members of the Lingayat community identify their religion in that.”
🚨 Fresh demand in Karnataka to grant separate religion status to the Lingayat community!
At the ‘Basava Culture Campaign–2025’, CM Siddaramaiah endorsed the view that 12th-century reformer Basavanna founded a distinct religion.
🧱 BJP slammed this as an attempt to divide Hindu… pic.twitter.com/UAKHcXLndj
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 8, 2025
Attempt to divide Hindu Dharma and society ! – BJP
State BJP president B Y Vijayendra said that the demand to accord separate religious status to the Lingayat community has resurfaced. “People know whose hand is behind this move. It is essential to protect Hindu Dharma and to unite society while ensuring justice for all. Certain forces are trying to divide Hindu Dharma and Hindu society. Such attempts have failed in the past and will fail again in the future,” he stated.
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