Davanagere: Large and medium industries minister MB Patil said the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha and the Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha were discussing the question of an independent religion status for Veerashaiva Lingayats and urged BJP state president BY Vijayendra to accept that the community is not part of the Hindu religious group.Speaking to reporters here Sunday, Patil said the two organisations were seeking to resolve the issue through negotiations.Patil said the Veerashaiva Mahasabha had decided in the presence of the Pancha Peethadhishwaras at a mega convention that Veerashaiva Lingayats were not Hindus.“Vijayendra and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa were on the dais. Both leaders should accept that Veerashaiva Lingayats are not Hindus,” he said.
