The recommendations of Nagamohan Das committee, which has favoured granting of minority religion status to the Lingayat community, could not have come at a better time for the ruling party.
The seven-member panel led by a former High Court judge, was set up in December last year by the state minorities commission to examine the claims of the Lingayat community for a separate religion tag in addition to the grant of minority status.
With elections to the Assembly barely a few weeks away, the report is seen as being tailor-made for the government which will find it easier to split the Lingayat community.
The panel submitted its report much before than the six months’ extension it had sought. In fact, the committee head had clearly stated in December that one month’s time given to finish the report is too less.
The Lingayats and the Veerashaivas form a part of the overall Lingayat community. The former comprises followers of 12th century social reformer, Basvanna, while the Veerashaivas follow elaborate rituals as per the Hindu customs. The Lingayats believe that the Veerashaivas are different from them.
Accordingly, the Lingayats have been demanding a minority status for themselves. The Veerashaivas are however opposed to the demand, who argue that there is no difference whatsoever between the two.
The Lingayat community, as a whole, is a major supporter of the BJP and it considers Mr Yeddyurappa, the party’s state president, as its dominant leader. Any split in the community could impact the BJP in the coming elections.
Importantly, while chief minister Siddaramiah has been encouraging his minister M B Patil, to get a separate religion tag in addition to a minority status, all is not well within the Congress over the issue.
Several Lingayat leaders in the party do not want any division in the community. Senior Congressman, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, heads the All India Veerahaiva Mahasabha.
Incidentally, the Das panel is also learnt to have been convinced that there is enough evidence to “ differentiate” the Lingayats from Hindu religion. Besides, it has suggested that the Veerashaivas, which are also looking for a minority status, can come under a wider umbrella of the Lingayat religion.
Amid confusion and excitement, all eyes are now fixed on the High Court verdict which will hear a case related to the controversy this week. The Siddaramiah government is eagerly awaiting the outcome before planning its next move.