Once again, the spectre of religious division appears to be looming large over Karnataka politics, as Congress minister M.B. Patil has reignited the long-dormant debate on a separate Lingayat religion. His statement asserting that “Veerashaivas are part of Lingayats” has triggered a sharp reaction within his own party, particularly from fellow Congress minister Eshwar Khandre, who maintains that Veerashaiva and Lingayat are the same.
This fresh controversy has reopened old wounds that had previously rocked the Siddaramaiah-led government in 2017, when the Congress was accused of attempting to divide the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community for political mileage ahead of the elections. Political observers now warn that the same issue, which had been revived ahead of crucial bypolls and local elections, could once again stir tensions among one of Karnataka’s most influential communities.
M.B. Patil, who has long advocated for a separate religious status for Lingayats, recently reiterated his belief that the Lingayat community is distinct from mainstream Hinduism and deserves independent recognition. His comments have been interpreted by many as an attempt to revive the 2017 controversy that had politically backfired for the Congress.
While Patil insists that Veerashaivas form a sub-sect within the broader Lingayat faith, Eshwar Khandre and the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha have flatly rejected that argument, calling the two traditions inseparable. The ideological rift between the two Congress ministers has now exposed fresh cracks within the ruling party, which had promised unity and inclusivity after returning to power in 2023.
Responding to Patil’s statement, Minister Eshwar Khandre clarified that the Mahasabha firmly believes Veerashaiva and Lingayat are synonymous. “There is no difference between Veerashaiva and Lingayat. Shivakumara Swamiji and all our respected leaders have made the same statement. Those who follow the Ishta Linga, Ashtavarana traditions, and the teachings of Basavanna are all part of one community,” Khandre emphasised.
He further argued that divisions within the community only weaken their collective strength. “There is power in unity. Disintegration benefits no one. Our stance has always been clear—we must remain united as Veerashaiva-Lingayats,” Khandre stated.
Even while defending unity, Khandre pointed out that the Mahasabha has historically requested the Central government to grant the Veerashaiva-Lingayats a separate religious status, similar to that of Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. However, he said the demand is for recognition, not division. “Although geographically we are Hindus, our customs and beliefs are distinct. We have repeatedly requested the Centre to create a separate column in the census. The effort is for rightful recognition, not to divide faith,” he explained.
As the controversy intensifies, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress of deliberately sowing religious discord for political gain. Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra strongly criticised the Congress ministers for reopening the divisive issue. “Once again, the Congress is trying to divide communities in the name of religion. Who is doing the work of dividing society? There are poor people among Vokkaligas and Lingayats too, but instead of addressing their needs, Congress ministers are fueling sectarian politics,” he alleged.
BJP leaders have argued that such controversies serve as a political distraction from the government’s failures in governance and development. “Whenever the Congress faces internal dissent or public anger, it revives emotional and religious issues to polarise voters,” a senior BJP legislator commented.
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