Bengaluru: Heads of Guru (Pancha Peethas) and a few Virakta Mutts met in Bengaluru and demanded “2A” category status for the Veerashaiva/Lingayata community members within the OBC category, rather than an independent religion status. They also argued that “Lingayat” and “Veerashaiva” were the same.

In the meeting, chaired by Virasomeshwara Swami of Rambhapuri Mutt at Basaveshwara Sujnana Mantapa in Bengaluru, several seers from different parts of Karnataka took part to resolve that Veerashaiva/ Lingayata was one ancient religion and there was no need to separate them. The meeting passed 10 resolutions, including demand for better facilities and opportunities for the members of the community in appointments along with reservation.

The resolution was then submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The chief minister urged the seers to arrive at a consensus among them and approach him.

“I am not trying to make political capital out of the issue,” he told the seers. Siddhalinga Rajadeshikendra Swami of Ujjaini Peeth, Channasiddharama Shivacharya Swami of Srisaila Peeth, Chandrashekhara Shivacharya Swami of Kashi Peeth (all part of Pancha Peethas), President of Shivayoga Mandir Sanganabasava Swami, and Annadanishwara Swami of Mundaragi Mutt (a virakta mutt) were among those present.