Hubballi: The state government has not taken any decision yet regarding the claim for an independent religious status for the Veerashaiva/Lingayath faith, clarified Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to media at Hubballi airport Siddaramaiah said that a demand was made in this regard during his visits to the Murugha Matt in Dharwad, Vijayapura and at a felicitation programme organised by the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha.

“Now, opinions favouring and opposing the status of independent religion are being expressed. I have told both the factions to submit their respective views. Let them make the submission first. Later, the government will examine it from the legal and constitutional point of view,” he added. Siddaramaiah said that neither he carried any personal opinion over this issue nor had his government taken any stand.

He also said that the government had not constituted any panel to look into the matter.

About the BJP’s stand to remain neutral over the State flag issue, Siddaramaiah said the BJP had taken an u-turn over the issue of the state flag after Kannada organisations opposed their stand over this issue.