'Basava Dharma' is an independent religion: Siddaramaiah

In a controversial remark, Congress leader Siddaramaiah has claimed that Basava Dharma should be an independent religion and does not come under the purview of Hinduism. The Congress leader said he never expressed his views as chief minister of the state for he had to take everyone's views on the topic.

Bengaluru:In remarks that could trigger a row, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said 'Basava Dharma' was an independent religion, which is neither inside nor outside of Hinduism.

By 'Basava Dharma', Siddaramaiah was apparently referring to the Lingayat sect founded by 12th century AD social reformer Basaveshwara in North Karnataka.

Voicing his opinion for the first time on according separate religion tag to the Lingayat sect during his tenure as chief minister, Siddaramaiah said "Basava Dharma is a separate religion just like Buddhism and Jainism. I am of the opinion that it is an independent religion."

The Congress leader said he never expressed his views as chief minister of the state for he had to take everyones views on the topic.

According to him, Basaveshwara had fought against social evils prevailing in society, especially casteism and kept the philosophy of
benevolence, compassion and charity as the centre piece of his sect.

Drawing a parallel between the teachings of Basaveshwara and the Constitution, he said "those are anti-social whose deeds are contrary to the constitution."

His remark came hours after he termed the BJP government led by Lingayat strongman and new chief minister BS Yediyurappa in the state unconstitutional and unethical as the party with 105 MLAs was way off the halfway mark (111seats) of the existing strength of 221 in the Karnataka assembly.

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