Kalaburagi
Lingarajappa Appa, president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Karnataka North Province, has called on the government and political leaders to refrain from interfering in matters of religion. He made this appeal while addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Sunday, amid the ongoing controversy surrounding comments made by Kaneri Kadasiddheshwara Swamiji against Lingayat Math chiefs.
Appa stated that issues within religious circles should be resolved by elders and gurus of the community, not through political intervention. The elders and gurus of society have the authority to address such matters. This is purely a religious issue, and the government or political parties should not meddle in it, he said.
Highlighting the deep cultural roots of the Math, Appa remarked, The Kaneri Math has a history of over 1,300 years and stands as a sacred center of devotion for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Restricting Swamiji’s movement to certain districts amounts to disrespecting this heritage. The government must immediately withdraw the ban imposed on his visits.
He emphasized that the Math’s contribution to spiritual education and social reform over centuries should not be undermined by administrative decisions driven by controversy.
When questioned about the appropriateness of the language used by Kaneri Swamiji in his remarks, Appa responded, Everyone in society, including Swamijis, must learn to rise above the Arishadvargas—the six enemies of human nature. Criticism, controversy, and apology are all part of human conduct. These matters will be discussed and resolved by the religious elders themselves. Appa concluded by urging restraint and mutual respect among religious institutions to preserve harmony within the Lingayat community.
