Govt trying to divide society, destroy Basava ideals: BJP

The state BJP on Monday accused the ruling Congress of trying to divide society by according separate religion status to Lingayats.

"This is a devious and sinister design on the part of the Congress government ahead of the elections...The BJP stands for the united society consisting of Veerashiva and Lingayats as both are same and there is no difference at all in any respect," the BJP stated in a release.

The state government has said that Lingayats are eligible for reservation only under 3B category which they are already enjoying. This has been done to safeguard the interest of minority communities, the party charged.

The saffron party also said that the government has sought to destroy the basic Basava philosophy (Basava tatva) by according minority tag. "It is quite ironical that the Basava philosophy and its believers are not confined to a religion or a caste, but it is a universal philosophy applying to everyone through all walks of life," it stated.