Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may face serious political consequences if he attempts to divide the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, warned Neelakantheshwara Swamiji of Amreshwara Math in Gulegudda, Bagalkot district.
Speaking after Siddaramaiah’s participation in the Basava Samskruthi Abhiyana, the seer said the Chief Minister’s move has created unease among several Lingayat religious leaders.
“Some ministers are on one side and some on the other. If Siddaramaiah tries to meddle with religious unity, it could cost him his Chief Minister’s post by November,” Swamiji cautioned, expressing disappointment over Siddaramaiah attending the Basava cultural campaign despite advice from prominent Veerashaiva-Lingayat pontiffs.
Swamiji remarked that while some of Siddaramaiah’s decisions — like naming Bengaluru’s metro after Basavanna and establishing Vachana University at Basavakalyan — were commendable, his presence at a separate Lingayat event raised concerns.
“He once burnt his fingers by trying to divide the religion. We had already warned him not to stir the beehive again, yet he attended the event. Though he avoided speaking directly on a separate religion, his attendance itself has caused confusion in the government,” he said.
Calling for unity, the seer emphasized that Siddaramaiah’s political future depends on his ability to unite rather than divide. “If he works to bring everyone together, his CM position will remain safe and stable. But if he tries to break religion, it will lead to political turmoil,” he added.
Neelakantheshwara Swamiji urged ministers from both sides of the debate to sit together and make a united decision for the welfare of the community. “All of us follow the Hindu dharma.
If Veerashaiva and Lingayat leaders remain united, it will strengthen both society and governance,” the seer said, warning that religious rifts could destabilize not just the Congress government but also Siddaramaiah’s leadership.
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