Kudal Sangam to see KS Eshwarappa rebirth'

Hubballi: For the first time, Kudal Sangam, the holiest place for Lingayats, is set for a mammoth convention of Sangolli Rayanna Brigade on January 26 under the leadership of senior BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa to woo  the backward classes and Dalit communities.

Earlier, Congress leaders held a similar rally at the end of a marathon march at the pilgrim centre as they feared the wrath of Lingayats for not projecting anyone from the numerically significant community as the CM candidate ahead of elections in 2013.

All streets of Kudal Sangam are plastered with banners and buntings of Sangolli Rayanna Brigade. Leaders of SRB claim that more than two lakh people will converge during the rally which will be addressed by  30 pontiffs of the Dalits and backward classes.

The pilgrim centre is witnessing a deluge of devotees though the week-long annual event Sharana Mela ended a few days ago. The Aikya Mantapa or holy Samadhi of Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayat faith is situated here.

"Social reformer Basavanna had preached equality and eradication of casteism during 12 century. But, politicians are using Kudal Sangam as platform to show their strength. Eshwarappa is trying to portray himself as the top leader of BJP to checkmate state chief B.S.Yeddyurappa,” said Karibasappa Korishettar, president of Yuva Rashtriya Basava Dal, and high court advocate.