Recognition for Lingayat religion inevitable: Sri Basavalinga Pattadevaru of Bhalki Hiremath
Bengaluru: The Lingayat Dharma has already received official recognition at the state level thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and the Centre will also have to grant approval sooner or later, said Sri Basavalinga Pattadevaru, President of the Federation of Lingayat Seers and head of the Bhalki Hiremath.
He was addressing the valedictory ceremony of the Basava Samskruti Abhiyana (Basava Cultural Campaign) held at the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on Sunday.
“Just as Lord Rama resides in Hanuman’s heart, Basavanna resides in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s heart,” the seer said. “During his tenure, the CM has organised several programs inspired by Basava philosophy. One important pending task is the establishment of a Vachana University at Basavakalyan in Bidar district. The Chief Minister must ensure this project becomes a reality, where continuous research and discussions on Vachana literature can take place,” he urged.
Lingayats must stand by Siddaramaiah: Minister M.B. Patil
Speaking at the event, Minister M.B. Patil, one of the community’s key leaders, praised Siddaramaiah, saying the CM has done more for the Lingayat community than many of its own leaders.
He pointed out examples such as installing Basavanna’s portraits in government offices, naming the Women’s University after Akka Mahadevi, and officially declaring Basavanna as Karnataka’s cultural icon.
“These are major contributions, and the Lingayat community must stand firmly with him,” he said.
Patil added that the Lingayats were not against anyone and believed in a progressive and inclusive outlook. “The Lingayat faith is not a sectarian identity—it is a movement based on human values and equality. We are Hindus geographically but followers of the Lingayat faith spiritually,” he said.
Seers call for propagation of Basava philosophy and recognition
Madara Channayya Swamiji of Chitradurga said that Lingayats should not lament about their population share but instead spread Basavanna’s message as he envisioned. “If Lingayats had followed Basavanna’s vision by bringing Dalits into the fold through the practice of wearing Ishtalinga, our population would have been 87% instead of 17%. Lingayat is not just a caste—it is a culture and a value system,” he said.
Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangama called for greater recognition of Basavanna’s philosophy across Karnataka. “Basavanna’s message must reach every corner of Old Mysuru. The Bengaluru Metro system should be named after Basavanna. Both the Central University and the State University in Kalaburagi should bear his name. The Central government must declare him as the ‘Father of the Kayaka Principle’—for he was the first to preach that work and food are sacred to human life,” he said.
Five resolutions passed at the Basava Samskruti Abhiyana event
All Lingayats are first and foremost Indians; Lingayat Dharma is a faith rooted in Karnataka’s culture. The nation stands above religion, and national unity must always be upheld.
The Lingayat Dharma, founded in the 12th century by Mahatma Basaveshwara and his sharanas, deserves full recognition like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, including all associated government benefits and reservations.
The Lingayat Dharma is built on equality, fraternity, and humanity. The community must unite across sub-sects and encourage inter-caste marriages to eliminate divisions.
Every Lingayat should wear the Ishtalinga—a symbol of faith and identity.
Lingayats must practice Sharana Samskruti (Basava’s culture) in all aspects of life—from birth to death.
Over 400 seers attended the event, along with Ministers K.H. Muniyappa, Sharan Prakash Patil, and Laxmi Hebbalkar, leaders B.R. Patil, Nasir Ahmed, Ashok Kheny, writer Go. Ru. Channabasappa, and Shivanand Jamadar of the Global Lingayat Federation.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
