A prominent Congress MLA and Panchamasali leader, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, has leveled serious accusations against the RSS. He claims the organization is actively compelling the heads of Lingayat religious institutions (maths) to pressure their community members into identifying as Hindus during the ongoing Social and Educational Survey. Kashappanavar further alleged that the RSS is financially supporting maths that align with its agenda.
During a press interaction in Ilkal, Bagalkot district, on Thursday, Kashappanavar revealed that he possesses information indicating certain ‘swamijis’ (religious leaders) are receiving funds and facing pressure from the RSS. Their purported goal is to instruct their followers to register their religion as ‘Hindu’ and their caste as ‘Veerashaiva Lingayat’ in the survey.
While acknowledging that some spiritual leaders have resisted these overtures, the MLA refrained from disclosing the names of individuals from either the supportive or opposing groups.
Kashappanavar reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the demand for separate religious status for the Lingayat community. “Lingayat must be recognized as a distinct religion in our nation. Our fight will continue relentlessly until this objective is achieved,” he stated emphatically.
Addressing the recent announcement by the ousted Sri Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swami about establishing another spiritual seat (peetha) at Kudalasangama, Mr. Kashappanavar remarked that the swamiji is “free to do so.”
“He can build a math wherever he wishes, on any riverbank, by investing his own resources. They are welcome to practice their form of Hinduism. However, our path is rooted in the Basava Tatva, and only those who embrace this ideology and the teachings of the Sharanas are considered our true Gurus,” Kashappanavar clarified.
The MLA asserted that he possesses comprehensive documentation to substantiate all allegations made by him and other members of the Kudalasangama trust against the said seer.
Issuing a stern warning, Kashappanavar stated, “We have compiled all their illicit activities onto a CD. We will expose them when the opportune moment arrives.” He added, “While certain details cannot be disclosed to the media at present, I will not hesitate to reveal everything should the situation demand it.”
Regarding the “sleaze CD” mentioned by the seer, Kashappanavar emphatically denied any involvement, stating, “We are not discussing any sleaze CD; it seems others are. But if the seer’s conscience is truly clear, why would he be concerned about the existence of such a CD? What is there to fear?”