Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar stated that the issue of Lingayat independent religion should be given a thought only after Assembly elections are over.
After garlanding the statue of Basaveshwar at Basavavana here on Wednesday, on the occasion of Basava Jayanti, he told media persons that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah brought the Lingayat independent religion to fore as part of his election politics and to divide the society, and therefore, this issue should be given a thought only after elections.
If Siddaramaiah had real concern, efforts for independent religion should have begun soon after he came to power. But, when elections were nearing, ministers led the struggle, which showed that it was mere politics, he said.
"We are ready to extend co-operation for Lingayat-Veerashaiva community to get facilities it requires, but that issue should be discussed only after the elections," he said.
On discontent
After the BJP list of candidates was announced, discontent among ticket aspirants and their supporters is natural. The party's high-command would console them, and take a decision about giving them some other positions. BJP's third list of candidates is expected shortly, Shettar said.
Replying to a query, he said, there was no discussion in the party to field MLC Pradeep Shettar in the Assembly elections from Ranebennur constituency.
He also demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the case of a truck hitting Union minister Anantkumar Hegde's convoy near Ranebennur.