Karnataka: Lingayats are a religious minority, says MB Patil

Bengaluru: There will be no let-up on the demand for separate Veerashaiva religion tag with pontiffs and scholars scheduled to meet here on Friday, a day after a conclave of ministers, legislators and other leaders to launch a new entity for Veerashaivas, to deliberate on the pros and cons of a minority religion.

Water resources minister Mr M B Patil told the media here on Wednesday there were six minority religions in the country but Lingayats are keen about the seventh one.

Till 1993, there were only five minority religions, including Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. In 1993, Jains were added as minority religion. Now, it is time to declare Lingayats as a religious minority, he added. 

Barring Lord Shiva worship, there was no relationship between Hindus and Lingayats. Veerashaivas are sub-sect of Lingayats. There are more than 36 sub-sects among Lingayats and Veerashaivas are one of them, he added.

On August 11, several experts, heads of Lingayat Maths, and elected representatives would participate in a brain storming session on the issue. The people of the community would stand by any decision taken at the meeting, Mr Patil added.