Bengaluru, (DHNS): BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa on Sunday said it is for the Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha to take a final call on declaring Veerashaiva- Lingayat dharma a separate religion.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a felicitation event organised by the Akhila Karnataka Vishwakarma Mahasabha for the BJP leaders here, Yeddyurappa said, “Let anybody say anything.... But, there is no difference between Veerashaivas and Lingayats. The decision of the Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha on whether the community should have a separate religion is final,” he said.

He was responding to a section of Lingayat community recently reviving the demand for the formation of a separate religion for the community. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had responded positively to their demand stating that if required he will take it up with the Centre.

Speaking at the function, Yeddyurappa said the Congress is trying to divide the people on caste lines.

“Other Backward Classes do not comprise two or three communities. The government should render justice to all, but the present dispensation is doing exactly the opposite,” he charged.
The former chief minister said the Congress regime had failed on all fronts and people were hoping and praying that the government loses power at the earliest. He said if Siddaramaiah stopped travelling in helicopter and interacted with people, he will realise
that they were cursing the government for its maladministration.

He said the BJP will give prominent positions and responsibilities to members of the Vishwakarma community in the party. The BJP will also ensure that all the demands of the community are met once it comes to power in the state, he added.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar blamed the state government for misusing state funds to organise a party event, referring to the three-day B R Ambedkar International conference that concluded in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Kaalahastendra swami of Anegundi Mutt said KPCC president G Parameshwara had sworn in the name of Goddess Chamundi that Ahkila Bharatha Vishwakarma Mahasabha President K P Nanjundi will be made an MLC.

“Parameshwara did not keep his words. At the same time, the Congress betrayed the Vishwakarma community by not making any effort to fulfil its demands,” he said.

Nanjundi, who recently joined the BJP after quitting the Congress, said he will tour all the districts to mobilise the support of the Vishwakarma community for the BJP.
“Already 80% of the community members support the BJP,” he said.