'Basava Dharma' is an independent religion, says Siddaramaiah

In remarks that could trigger a row, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah 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. It is neither inside nor outside Hinduism.

"I am of the opinion that it is an independent religion," he said at the launch of two books 'Lingayat Kannada Vachanadharma' and 'Vachanadharma Arivina Beragu authored by poet S G Siddaramaiah at Gandhi Bhavan here.

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

Basaveshwara had fought against social evils prevailing in society, especially casteism and kept the philosophy of benevolence, compassion and charity as the centrepiece 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."