The recent “threat” by Sri Vachanananda Swami of Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha at Harihar to Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on the need for inclusion of more Panchamasali MLAs in the State Cabinet has brought to light the bickering among the sub-sects of Veerashaiva Lingayat community. At present, eight Lingayats, including Mr. Yediyurappa, are among the total 18 Ministers who have been sworn in. While there are almost nil sub-sects among the Veerashaiva Lingayat community in the Old Mysuru region, the sub-sects are dominant among the Lingayats residing in the North Karnataka. Although marriages among the sub-sects in Veerashaiva Lingayats are taking place now, the differences still exist, which explains the reason for the particular seer’s conduct.

Source: The Hindu January 24, 2020 19:52 UTC