Bengaluru: Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev has stated that there is no difference between Lingayats and Veerashaivas and both are an integral part of Hinduism.

Speaking after receiving Renukashri award on Sunday at Hukkeri, Baba Ramdev stated that we are all Indians first. “In Karnataka few vested interests are trying to divide Veerashaiva community,” he charged.

Hiremath of the Hukkeri conferred Baba Ramdev with this award. Math is one of the powerful Veerashaiva mutts of North Karnataka region.

“I generally don’t accept any awards. But this award is given by a Swamiji in the name of God. So I have come here,” he said.

He urged the people to work hard, which is the only way for success. Invoking Basavanna’s Kayakave Kailsa he stated that few vested interests are misusing his name.

Baba Ramdev also returned the award money of Rs. One lakh by adding Rs. 10 lakh to it to the Hiremath for the mid day meal scheme launched by the mutt.