Raichur: BS Yeddyurappa trying to create confusion, says SR Patil

Raichur: Contending that there is a consensus among Veerashaivas and Lingayats on religion status for the community, KPCC Working President S.R. Patil on Tuesday slammed state BJP President B.S. Yeddyurappa for trying to create confusion on the issue.

“If he (Yeddyurappa) wants to know about Veerashaivas and Lingayats, let him first  thoroughly study the volumes on Basavanna,” Mr Patil said during an interaction with mediapersons. He was here to inspect the venue for a grand convention of the party, which will be attended by Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on August 4.

According to Mr Patil, there was no need for his party to divide Veerashaivas and Lingayats on the issue of independent religion status. “The Lingayat religion has been there for centuries and both Veerashivas and Lingayats have been worshipping Basavanna. Lingayat dharma is the only true religion. There is no need for the Congress to divide people of the community on the issue. Many swamijis, including the followers of Basavanna have demanded that independent religion status be accorded to their religion. Let Mr Yeddyurappa, who is banking on the support of Veerashvaia-Lingayat votes, make a proper study of what Basavanna preached and practised. There are many Lingayat leaders in the Congress, including me and there is no opposition to granting independent religion status to Lingayats. Those who oppose this, should first study history,”  Mr Patil said.  The Congress leader said there was no need for his party to strike an alliance with JD(S) in the coming Assembly polls and described reports in this regard as false. He did not concur with the view that the Congress is a divided house in Raichur district. “Neither in Raichur nor in any other district is the party is divided. We will stand united and face the coming elections,” Mr Patil asserted.