Siddaganga, Mar 20: The influential Siddaganga Mutt has welcomed the chief minister Siddaramaiah led Karnataka government’s decision to accord "religious minority" recognition to Lingayats and Veerashaiva-Lingayats who follow the philosophy of 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday Siddalinga Swami, the junior pontiff of the Mutt, said: "We always stressed the all-inclusive attitude regarding the issue. We are happy as the government has included Lingayats and Veerashaiva in its recommendation."
He said that the decision would help the community academically and industrially.
"Jains follow certain rituals of Hinduism. Despite this, the Jainism has been recognised as an independent religion. The status of an independent religion to a faith won't affect the existence of the Hinduism," he said.
"A section of pontiffs may be opposed to the government's decision. Everybody is free to express opinion and opposition," he said regarding the opposition of the Panchacharyas for the government's recommendation.
Jaya Mrityunjaya Swami of Panchamasali Peetha visited the Mutt once the Mutt's opinion on the issue became public.
"Shivakumar Swami is the senior most pontiff in the state and we need his guidance and blessings. Siddaganga Mutt has been practising the Basava philosophy. Our fight had Shivakumar Swami's blessings. We will continue our next course of action seeking his blessings," he said.
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