New Delhi: A forum of Lingayat seers gave a call in a shuttle way to the community to support the Congress in the upcoming assembly elections. The state government's decision to seek minority religion status for the politically influential Veerashaiva-Lingayat community of Karnataka from the Centre has proved to be a shot in the arm to the Congress.
"Ours is an apolitical forum and we don’t want to get involve in electoral politics. But, we have decided to support those who supported us," ShivamurthyMurughaRajendra Swami of ChitradurgaMurugha mutt said after a meeting of the forum in Bengaluru.
Around 50 pontiffs of Lingayat mutts attended the meeting and agreed to continue their fight till the Centre accords minority status to the community. Lingayats constitute 17 percent of Karnataka's population.

MatheMahadevi of Basava Dharma Peetha, however, was more vocal and minced no words in extending support to Congress. "I personally support Congress and I appeal to Lingayats to support the Congress. Chief ministerSiddaramaiah has taken a bold decision despite stiff opposition from the seers of Veerashaiva mutts," she said.

She also urged Prime Minister NarendraModi to accord religious minority status to Lingayats before April 18 which happens to be birth anniversary of the 12th century social reformer Basavanna.
A proposal sent by the Siddaramaiah government seeking minority status to Lingayats under Section 3(c) of the National Commission for Minorities is pending for approval before the Centre since March 23.
The meeting also strongly condemned BJP president Amit Shah for allegedly opposing minority status to Lingayats.