Opposition to Caste Census
Dharwad
Dingaleshwar Fakir Swami of Shirahatti Mutt has strongly opposed the caste census, asserting that Veerashaiva-Lingayat is a single community. He criticized those insisting on using Lingayat as a separate identity, saying they are succumbing to external enticements and act as a thorn in the Veerashaiva-Lingayat society.
Speaking to the media, the Swami said attempts are being made under the guise of the Basava Samskriti Yatra to harm the community. He cautioned that the community must neither attach importance to such events nor pay attention to divisive voices, as Veerashaiva-Lingayat has historically faced groups seeking to damage it. He warned that splitting the community would be detrimental.
The Swami advised members to mention “Hindu” as their religion and “Veerashaiva-Lingayat” in the caste column while responding to the state’s caste census. Questioning the feasibility of surveying seven crore people in Karnataka within a few days, he highlighted the enumerators’ challenges and called the exercise futile. He argued that the survey would bring more disadvantages than benefits and questioned the government’s haste.
On former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s statement against using elephants in mutts and religious institutions, Dingaleshwar Swami said such individuals are traitors to both the nation and culture. He criticized attempts to interfere with age-old religious traditions, emphasizing that any government meddling in religious affairs will face consequences.
