Hold talks to resolve Lingayat faith tag row, says RSS chief

A serious discussion about the demand for independent religion status for Lingayatism was held at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) baithak (meeting) chaired by Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat at ‘Keshav Kunj’ here on Saturday.

The discussion focused on the stand to be taken by the RSS on the issue.
A leader who attended the meeting said Bhagwat felt efforts should be made to settle differences by holding talks with Lingayat-Veerashaiva seers and leaders, and to convince them to remain in Hinduism itself.

RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat brought the issue of RSS worker Sharath Madiwala’s murder in Dakshina Kannada district to the notice of Bhagwat, sources said.

Later, Bhagwat inaugurated new facilities at Rashtrotthana Blood Bank on Neeligin Road. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar, MP Pralhad Joshi and other leaders attended the function.