NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Shashi Tharoor
    Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
    Arvind Kejriwal
    Mamata Banerjee
    Nitin Gadkari
    Rahul Gandhi
    Indian National Congress (INC)
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / Politics News / Why minority status for the Lingayats before Karnataka elections?
    Politics

    Why minority status for the Lingayats before Karnataka elections?

    Why minority status for the Lingayats before Karnataka elections?
    Written by Deepak Singh
    May 10, 2018, 04:49 pm 2 min read
    Why minority status for the Lingayats before Karnataka elections?

    Karnataka goes to polls in 2 days, and the hottest debated question of the assembly elections - is which way will the Lingayats vote? It is important because Lingayats can single-handedly influence the poll outcome. Their domination on 100 seats out of 225-strong Vidhan Sabha is significant. With an intent to appease, Siddaramaiah government's decision to declare about 17% population as minorities isn't surprising.

    First off, who are the Lingayats?

    Before being killed, journalist Gauri Lankesh's last article was on Lingayats. She explained, Lingayats are the followers of Basavanna and Sharanas (original followers of Basavanna). Basavanna, a 12th-century reformer rejected Vedas and caste, the essence of Hinduism. Hence, a 'demand' for separate religion. She wrote Lingayats differ from Veerashaivas because the latter accept Vedas and caste, though Karnataka government gave minority status to both.

    Accusation of 'dividing Hindus'

    Reportedly, the Lingayats being given a minority status has backfired and the Congress is being accused for 'dividing' Hindus. "CM Siddaramaiah have not given any kind of counter narrative to help us convince voters that this move is for their good. And Lingayat leaders and pontiffs who came to us with their demand are not doing much to counter BJP," a Congress leader said.

    Siddaramaiah is dividing society

    "Siddaramaiah is anti-Lingayat, he is trying to divide society through all his efforts. Our children don't get benefits in fees, scholarships, but every other child gets these. This latest move is another such move," Economic Times quoted a villager from Holalkere assembly.

    Meanwhile, how is BJP handling the Lingayat debate?

    The BJP has been leading the attack on the Congress for dividing the Hindus. BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa (a Lingayat) is at the forefront to call it an attempt to divide. Realizing voter's endorsement, he further alleged, "Siddaramaiah divided Lingayats to stop me from becoming Chief Minister. But he's been silent about it for three months because he has seen the backlash."

    Lingayats lead in both Congress and BJP candidate list

    Out of 218 candidates, Congress has given 42 tickets to Lingayats, while the BJP gave 47 tickets to the community. Lingayats are an important voter-base for the BJP. Notably, they had helped them open the account in the South. With 71 Lingayat contestants (highest ever), they won the Karnataka assembly elections in 2008 under the leadership of Yeddyurappa.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    Karnataka
    Siddaramaiah
    Karnataka Election
    Indian National Congress (INC)

    Latest

    Pakistan hikes petrol, diesel prices by PKR 35/liter amid crisis Pakistan
    JAWA 42 v/s Royal Enfield Classic 350: A comparison Royal Enfield Classic 350
    Swedish woman flies to India to marry Uttar Pradesh man Uttar Pradesh
    Germany win 2023 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup title Hockey World Cup

    Karnataka

    In a first, Army Day parade moves out of Delhi  Army Day
    Threatening calls to Nitin Gadkari traced to Karnataka jail: Police Nitin Gadkari
    5 recipes that you cant's miss trying on Pongal Tamil Nadu
    Bengaluru: Road caves in during metro construction, one injured Bengaluru

    Siddaramaiah

    Bajrang Dal member killed in Karnataka's Shivamogga; Section 144 imposed Karnataka
    Karnataka: Why Siddaramaiah wants protection for accused Bitcoin hacker Karnataka
    Karnataka: Congress leaders caught gossiping about "corrupt" Shivakumar on camera Karnataka
    'KGF' star Yash's fan dies by suicide, actor expresses grief Yash

    Karnataka Election

    Karnataka minister Madhuswamy calls CM Bommai's government a 'caretaker' regime Karnataka
    Karnataka: Amit Shah's visit sparks speculation about new CM Karnataka
    Karnataka: Cabinet reshuffle on cards after BJP chief Nadda's visit? Karnataka
    Siddaramaiah resigns as Congress Legislature Party leader after Karnataka by-polls Karnataka

    Indian National Congress (INC)

    Rahul Gandhi, other senior leaders to skip Parliament this winter Rahul Gandhi
    Swara Bhasker joins Rahul Gandhi in 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' Swara Bhasker
    Kharge becomes first non-Gandhi Congress President in over 2 decades Congress President
    It's Kharge vs Tharoor in Congress presidential election today Congress President

    Love Politics News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    Politics Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023