BJP using Siddaganga seer for political gains by promising Bharat Ratna: Mate Mahadevi

Bagalkot, Sept 14: In a shocking revelation, Basava Dharma Peeta chief Mate Mahadevi has said that the statement of Siddganga Mutt seer Shivakumara swami on Veerashaiva-Lingayat unity is a "conspiracy hatched by BJP leaders."

"I am told that BJP leaders B S Yeddyurappa, V Somanna and G S Basavaraju put pressure on the Siddaganga seer saying that the Union government had considered him (pontiff) for the Bharat Ratna award and hence he should adopt a neutral stand on the controversy. The junior pontiff should convince him that development of community should take precedence over the award," she said while addressing a press meet here on Wednesday.

Mate Mahadevi alleged that pro-Veerashaiva people took advantage of "weak memory" of the centenerain pontiff and got his signature on a statement they had prepared. She suspected the role of Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha also.

Mate Mahadevi said that the statement of the Siddaganga seer was not the final word on the issue and the struggle for a separate Lingayat religion was not dependent on his stance.

"Some people are accusing us of dividing the religion by demanding a separate Lingayat dharma. But, it is not the case. We are only demanding recognition for the religion established by Basavanna 900 years ago. Veerashaivas can also become Lingayats by accepting Basavanna as their religious teacher and Vachanas as the scripture," she said.