Koppal
Sri Vachanananda Swami of Harihar Peeth clarified that there is no rift between his Peeth and Kudalasangama Sri, emphasizing that both are like the “eyes of one society.” Speaking to reporters at the residence of farmer Sudesh Pattanshetty on Kushtagi Road on Sunday, he stressed that it is wrong to assume an “India-Pakistan atmosphere” between the two Peethas.
“Political differences may exist, but we Swamis work for peace, knowledge, and social organization,” he said. The Swami added that increasing the number of Lingayat mutts and Swamis will strengthen society and prevent conversions. Currently, there are over 4,000 Swamis in the state, with Lingayats forming the majority.
He congratulated the Central Government for celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Veer Rani Kittur Chennamma, who fought against the British. “This is a proud moment for the country,” he said, recalling his efforts to install Chennamma’s statue in front of Parliament. After initial steps by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later unveiled the statue. Chennamma Jayanti, which had been discontinued after 2007, was resumed in Parliament in 2024 following requests made through Speaker Om Birla.
On October 24, a Rs. 200 commemorative coin marking the occasion was released. The Swami urged the Central Government to circulate it widely and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State V. Somanna, and BJP National Organizing Secretary B.L. Santosh for their support.
Regarding Lingayat reservation, he noted that the Central Backward Classes Commission report has been submitted to the state government and urged cabinet approval to secure 27 percent reservation, providing greater opportunities in exams such as NEET and IAS.
He concluded, “Reservation is not charity; it is a constitutional right. Our society must receive social justice, irrespective of who is Chief Minister.” Panchamasali Samaj leaders, including State President Somanagouda Patil and General Secretary Devaraj Halasamudra, were present.