Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent remarks that Basavanna conceived Lingayat as a separate religion have revived a longstanding controversy within the Congress party. The comments have triggered a public exchange between two senior ministers from the Lingayat community — Industries Minister MB Patil and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre.

Siddaramaiah, speaking in Bengaluru on Sunday, revisited an issue first raised by the Congress government in 2017, which was later dropped after the party’s defeat in the 2018 state elections. During his previous term as CM, Siddaramaiah had recommended that the Centre recognise Lingayat as a separate religion. Following the electoral loss in 2018, then Deputy CM and state Congress president DK Shivakumar apologised for the move, calling it an attempt that had hurt public sentiments.

MB Patil backs separate recognition

On Monday, MB Patil reignited the discussion, stating:

“We are all Indians geographically and Hindus by faith. Just as Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism exist in the country, we are also outside the chaturvarna system of Hinduism. The founder of the Lingayat religion, Basavanna, taught the same.”

Patil further noted that the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha (AIVLM) had moved closer to endorsing this position.

“Previously, the blame for this issue was placed on Siddaramaiah. Has any trouble arisen from Jains, Sikhs, or Buddhists? They are all considered Indic religions,”
he added, emphasising community unity in support of recognition.

Eshwar Khandre stresses community unity

Countering Patil, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, also senior vice-president of AIVLM, said:

“No force can divide Veerashaiva and Lingayat communities, as both are one and the same — a truth emphasised by the late Dr Shivakumara Swamiji. Our community draws its strength from unity and faces defeat in division.”

Khandre highlighted that although Veerashaiva-Lingayats are geographically Hindus, their distinct customs deserve recognition.

“The AIVLM has been demanding recognition since before Independence. We are urging for a separate column for our faith in the ongoing caste survey. Our focus is on integrating the community, not dividing it. Youths are falling into drug use and under Western influence; instead of dividing communities, these issues should be addressed,”
he said.

BJP weighs in

BJP state president BY Vijayendra, who is also a Lingayat, reacted sharply:

“Today’s challenge is to protect the Hindu religion, and people should take note of attempts to divide it. Siddaramaiah appears to be rushing in his attempts to divide Hinduism.”

The debate highlights continuing differences within political and religious spheres over the identity and recognition of Lingayat faith, with the Congress party and BJP now publicly expressing contrasting positions.