The Murugha Mutt seer is among the most powerful Lingayat pontiffs who have backed the Congress government's move to grant the status. The influential community that has traditionally supported the BJP has a population of 1.25 crore in Karnataka, which has 6.5 crore people. Losing even a part of the Lingayats' support could make things difficult for the BJP as it tries to return to power. Party leaders, including Shah, have been reaching out to Lingayat seers in the light of the state government's notification. The Karnataka government's move has, however, not found favour with the Veerashaiva Lingayats.

Source: The Telegraph March 28, 2018 21:11 UTC