Bengaluru (DHNS): “The state government conducted the caste census unscientifically. The government’s intention behind the caste census was to divide the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Hence, intense protests will be staged across the state if the government makes the caste census data public,” he said, while addressing a gathering at Renukacharya Ugamanotsava and Basava Jayanthi celebration at Palace Grounds organised by Vishwa Veerashaiva Lingayat Okkuta.

“There are many sub-castes in Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Siddaramaiah-led Congress government is taking advantage of the sub-caste system to divide the community. The government wants to project that the community’s size is smaller compared to other castes. Therefore, the community members should be cautious against such moves,” he said.

The former chief minister said both Veerashaiva and Lingayat were one and the same. The community members should end the sub-caste system and get united.

“Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swami rightly deserves the Bharat Ratna award. We will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urge him to honour the seer with the award,” he said.

Congress MLC Allum Veerabhadrappa expressed displeasure over IAS and the IPS officers from the community being ignored for top positions in the state. The IAS and the IPS officers are ignored despite their seniority.

Recently, an IAS officer from the community was overlooked for the chief secretary’s post, he said.

The convention adopted resolutions seeking proper representation to the community members in the State and Union Cabinet, installation of Basaveshwara statue on the Vidhana Soudha premises and naming Gulbarga University and Namma Metro after Basaveshwara.