Bengaluru, (DHNS): The state BJP, on Sunday, warned that it would launch a stir against the government if it failed to appoint a Hindu priest at the controversial cave shrine of Bababudangiri in Chikkamagaluru district.

There is no dispute on the shrine since it is already the Muzrai department's property. The matter was settled long ago as per court order. Instead of appointing a Hindu priest, the government has tried to mislead people by saying that it has decided to bring the shrine under the department, state BJP general secretary C T Ravi told reporters here.

The Supreme Court had, in 2014, directed the government to appoint Hindu priests as per the recommendation of the Muzrai department commissioner. The government had assured the court that it would do so after holding talks with all stakeholders. But the Congress government chose not to appoint the priest in order to appease minorities, he charged.

Ravi, the Chikkamagaluru MLA, said Justice Nagamohan Das was biased in submitting his report on the issue of granting separate religion status to Lingayats. "We all know how he submitted a report on the issue of separate religion tag for Lingayats. He writes the report as dictated by the government," he charged.

The state Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday decided to accept the Justice Nagamohan Das committee report.

Grain campaign from today

This apart, the state BJP will launch its 'Mushti Akki Abhiyana' (fistful grain campaign) from Monday to reach out to farmers ahead of the Assembly elections, party leader Shobha Karandlaje said.

The party leaders will visit all 6,028 Gram Panchayats and collect grain from households of farmers. This is being done in order to forge an emotional bonding with the farmers of the state, she added.

The party workers have been asked to past stickers having a picture of state party president B S Yeddyurappa on the doors of all houses. Those who wish to join the party would be invited by presenting them a green shawl, she added.

The campaign is also an effort to position Yeddyurappa, who is the BJP's chief ministerial candidate, as the leader of the farming community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the campaign during his recent visit to Davangere.

Shobha said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would attend the valedictory of the party's 'Mangaluru Chalo' yatra on March 6.