Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 20: Global Lingayat general body meeting has decided to approach the state high court, duly questioning the union government's decision to turn down its proposal to identify Lingayat as a separate, independent religion.

At the general body meeting held in the city, Lingayat leaders discussed the repercussions of the central government's decision in detail. It was unanimously decided that everyone should be taken into confidence, and to move ahead as per the decision of the Lingayat Mahasabha. The meet decided not to go back from the stand the Lingayat have taken, and not to retrace the steps they had taken to fight to get independent religion tag for their community.

The leaders expressed ire at the central government's decision not to honour the demand made to accord independent religion status for their religion. The leaders felt that the purpose will be served if the Mahasabha along with eight Lingayat institutions file three writ petitions in the high court. The leaders decided to get assistance from legal experts to continue with the fight.

It was noted that the census will be undertaken in the year 2021. The leaders decided to spread awareness among the Lingayat to mention in the format that they belong to separate independent religion. It was decided to increase the current 10,000 membership the Mahasabha by several folds and to form district-wise committees in all the districts in the state.