Bengaluru: With the state elections fast approaching , the BJP appears to have finally found a way to appease the Lingayats in Karnataka, who want an independent religious status, a request fanned by the state government. Come April 18, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to the statue of Basaveshwara, the 12th century reformer, revered by the community, in London.
The event is being organised by the Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in the UK that has installed the statue of Basaveshwara on the banks of the river Thames.
Former Mayor of London, Dr Neeraj Patil , who is also chairman of the Basaveshwara Foundation, has received confirmation from the Prime Minister’s office about his visit.
Tribute will also be paid to the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar, on the occasion,he said in a statement. The Basaveshwara statue was unveiled in London on November 14, 2015 by Mr Modi
Dr Patil recalled that Basaveshwara and Dr Ambedkar both fought for eradication of discrimination based on caste and social justice in Indian society.
“Unfortunately India still remains divided along caste and religious lines. This must end,” he stressed. The bust, installed by The Basaveshwara Foundation, was unveiled by PM Modi in 2016.
