Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has rejected the allegations made by his own party leader, Shamnur Shivashankarappa, that the Congress regime had neglected the interests of the Lingayat community.

Shivashankarappa, who represents the Davanagere South in the assembly and also serves as the president of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, had recently stated that the Lingayats were being sidelined under the Congress rule, with important positions in the government being occupied by non-Lingayat officials.

While these comments have put the Congress on the defensive, the BJP has wasted no time in seizing this opportunity, seeking to amplify Shivashankarappa’s sentiments and capitalize on them ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Siddaramaiah, however, disagreed with his party colleague’s perception, insisting that his government has treated everyone equally and functions above caste lines. He stated that all their programs, including Anna Bhagya, Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, and Gruha Lakshmi, reach members of all communities.

The Lingayat-Veerashaiva community is politically influential in Karnataka, with representation in the assembly by former BJP CMs BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, among others.

Bommai, Yediyurappa, and BY Vijayendra have strongly backed Shivashankarappa’s claims and urged community members to be cautious of the Congress. Bommai demanded a reply from the Chief Minister regarding Shivashankarappa’s comments.

It remains to be seen how this political discourse unfolds and impacts the upcoming elections.