Seer questions attempts to divide Hindus over Lingayat, Veerashaiva identities at convention in Karnataka

Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami of Kaneri Mutt questioned attempts to separate Lingayat and Veerashaiva identities, and alleged that such efforts were aimed at creating divisions within the Hindu community.

Addressing the Basavadi Sharanara Hindu Samavesha (convention) in Kalaburagi, in Karnataka, on September 27, the religious leader questioned the authority of those opposing the samavesha, and claiming to speak in the name of Basaveshwara and the sharanas.

The seer alleged that some people, who claim to uphold Basaveshwara’s progressive ideals, were selectively opposing Hindu traditions while accepting positions, recognition, and other benefits from institutions associated with the same society. He termed this a ‘double standard’, and said ideological differences should not be used to create divisions among communities.

He alleged that there was an attempt to use Basaveshwara’s name to promote Communist ideology, and to create a separate political and social space by distancing Lingayats and Veerashaivas from the broader Hindu tradition.