Vijayapura , (DHNS): Panchapeeta seers (Panchacharyas) and those following the Veerashaiva tradition on Sunday vowed to take the political plunge to defeat the Congress in the forthcoming Assembly elections, for dividing Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.

"We will use the Ganachara (a Veerashaiva tradition) to displace Siddaramaiah of his position as chief minister. We will discuss our plan with devotees and defeat the Congress. We are ready for the destruction of Siddaramaiah and a few of his Cabinet colleagues for dividing our religion," Chennarama Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamy of Shreeshaila Peetha said at Veershaiva-Lingayat convention here.

Veera Someshwara Shivacharya Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha said: "Those leaders who changed their stance using Basaveshwara's name will surely regret. We will teach Siddaramaiah and his five Cabinet colleagues a befitting lesson for dividing Veerashaivas and Lingayats."

"We will take the political plunge and retaliate through devotees, defeating the Congress. We will use the weapon of religion in the forthcoming elections," he said and directed Vrishabalingeshwara Swami of Banthnal and Mahadeva Shivacharya Swami of Babaleshwar to visit every house in the region against the Congress.

Vamanadeva Shivacharya Swami of Yemmiganur directed devotees to visit every house and seek support for the BJP.

Chandrashekhar Shivacharya Swami of Kashi Peetha: "We will teach such a lesson that even next generations will remember."