Karnataka Caste Survey: Lingayat Mahasabha Rekindles Fight for Separate Religious Identity

A significant socio-religious development is unfolding in Karnataka as the state's comprehensive caste survey progresses. The Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha, a prominent body representing the Lingayat community, has issued a powerful directive: its members must unequivocally register themselves as belonging to a distinct religion, 'Veerashaiva-Lingayat', during the ongoing socio-economic and educational census.

This fervent appeal comes with a clear objective: to solidify the community's long-standing demand for independent religious recognition, separate from the broader Hindu fold.

The Mahasabha firmly asserts that Lingayats are not merely a sub-caste within Hinduism but represent a unique, self-contained religion with its own profound spiritual traditions, holy scriptures, and a revered founder in Basavanna.

The caste survey, initially launched in 2015 under the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government and now revived for data updation, is a critical exercise aimed at gathering socio-economic and educational information across various communities.

For the Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha, this survey presents a pivotal opportunity to formally articulate their religious identity and press for official acknowledgment from both the state and central governments.

Elaborating on their stance, the Mahasabha highlighted that the Lingayat way of life is characterized by unique customs, practices, and philosophical tenets that distinguish it from mainstream Hinduism.

They emphasize the profound teachings of Basavanna, a 12th-century social reformer and philosopher, as the bedrock of their faith, advocating for equality, rationality, and monotheism. Their holy books, including the Vachana literature, are cited as further proof of their distinct religious heritage.

The call to action from the Mahasabha isn't merely a suggestion; it's a strategic move in a decades-long struggle.

The community has repeatedly sought religious minority status, a demand that has often been met with political complexities and differing interpretations. The current survey, therefore, becomes a crucial battleground for asserting their identity through collective declaration.

Furthermore, the Mahasabha has not shied away from signaling its intent for stronger action.

They have announced plans for a significant agitation if their demand for separate religious recognition is not met following the survey's conclusion. This underlines the gravity of the issue for the community and their readiness to mobilize to achieve their long-cherished goal.

The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, tasked with conducting this extensive survey, plays a crucial role in this unfolding narrative.

The data collected will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, influencing policy decisions related to reservations, welfare schemes, and the overall socio-political landscape of the state. As Lingayats are a numerically significant and influential community in Karnataka, their collective declaration could significantly impact the survey's findings and the subsequent discourse on religious and caste identities.

As the survey continues, all eyes will be on how the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community responds to the Mahasabha's call and the eventual interpretation of the collected data.

This renewed push for separate religious identity underscores the dynamic and often contentious nature of identity politics in India, particularly when intertwined with state-mandated data collection efforts.