Won't let Congress divide Karnataka like Britishers: Amit Shah on Siddaramaiah government’s resolution on Lingayat

Amit Shah has rejected the Congress party's demand to make Lingayat a separate religion in Karnataka.

HUBLI: BJP chief Amit Shah has attacked the Congress party in Karnataka and said that his party won't allow the ruling dispensation to divide the southern state on the basis of religion and caste.

''Many have expressed concern over Siddaramaiah government's resolution on Veershaiva-Lingayat community. This is nothing but a conspiracy to mislead people before the elections and stopping BS Yeddyurappa from becoming the CM. We will not let this happen,'' the BJP national president said.

Many have expressed concern over Siddaramaiah govt's resolution on Veershaiva-Lingayat community. This is nothing but a conspiracy to mislead people before the elections and stopping BS Yeddyurappa from becoming the CM. We will not let this happen:BJP President Amit Shah (3.3.18) pic.twitter.com/WcSmWARhfg — ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2018

Rejecting Congress government’s demand in Karnataka to make Lingayat a separate religion, Shah said that there is no separate religion for Lingayats and assured Veershaiva seers that there will be no division. 

Amit Shah made these remarks after meeting around 250 Veerashaiva Lingayat seers (Rashtriya Veerashaiva Mathadeeshara Parishath) in Shivayogi Mandir in Badami on Tuesday.

He interacted with jagadgurus of Hospet, Kashi, Ujjaini and Srishaila mutt.

During their interaction with Amit Shah, many seers reportedly condemned the state government's move to recommend a separate Lingayat religion.

Shah said that this is the commitment of the Narendra Modi government to them.

Amit Shah also rebuffed rumours that the Central Government would repeal the provision for reservation in the Constitution.

"It is pure rumour. Dalits should not pay attention to this. BJP has immense faith in the Constitution and would not allow any other party to do the same," Shah told reporters on Tuesday.

Shah also trained guns at the Opposition, holding them accountable for the violence that marked the Monday protest against Supreme Court's ruling on the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Shah added that the call for a nationwide bandh was not necessary, given the Centre had already decided to file a review petition in the apex court.

The apex court had on March 20 introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law. 

(With ANI inputs)