New Delhi/Tamakuru, Mar
26: In what is seen as an attempt to ensure the politically influential
Lingayats back his party in the coming polls in Karnataka, BJP president Amit
Shah on Monday met 'Walking God' Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, chief pontiff of
Siddaganga Mutt, at Tumakuru in Karnataka and sought his blessing.
"Today I had the good fortune to seek blessings from the
'Walking God' Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddhaganga Mutt, Tumakuru. His
tireless work even at his advanced age is inspiring. His life is a living
lesson and guiding light for all of us," Mr Shah tweeted along with
photographs of his falling on the feet of the popular sage.
Mr Shah’s visit to the Mutt leader assumes significance as the Karnataka Minority Department on last week accorded 'Minority status' to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats as a distinct religion.
Lingayat-Veerashaiva are said to be following the Basavanna preachings.
The BJP, whose Chief Ministerial face B S Yeddyurappa is a popular Lingayat leader by his own right, has termed the Congress move as an attempt to divide the Hindu votes - akin to the 'divide and rule policy' of the British. In fact, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister and a senior BJP leader in Karnataka has described the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as the 'modern day Robert Clive'.
Emerging out after the meeting, Mr Shah told television journalists: "This is for the first time I got an opportunity to meet the great sage. I am pleased to get his blessings.....Mere looking at him gives the impression that one has met God".
“The sage has also succeeded in bringing all sections of society together through education,” Mr Shah remarked adding, “I felt like seeing God when I met the revered pontiff"
The BJP chief expressed happiness that the popular Lingayat Mutt runs 125 educational institutions across the state and was involved in many pro-people programmes.
Lingayats form considerable size of the electorate in the state and the state government move is said to have caused some embarrassment to the BJP forcing it to redraw the political strategy.
"The blessing of Swamiji will definitely give boost to our strength when the BJP is fighting the elections under the leadership of Yeddyurappa," Mr Shah later said.
The BJP president during his day-long stay in the poll-bound Karnataka will participate at a Coconut Growers Convention at Tiptur, visit Rashtrakavi Kuvemput Memorial at Kuppali and also meet Arecanut Growers.
There will be a road show, interaction with Trade and Business community and visit at Bekkinahollad Mutt - all in Shivamogga area, according to BJP sources.
Mr Shah's visit to Shivamogga district is also meant for ironing out the difference of opinion between Mr Yeddyurappa and his party colleague and Opposition leader in the Legislative Council K S Eshwarappa. UNI
Mr Shah’s visit to the Mutt leader assumes significance as the Karnataka Minority Department on last week accorded 'Minority status' to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats as a distinct religion.
Lingayat-Veerashaiva are said to be following the Basavanna preachings.
The BJP, whose Chief Ministerial face B S Yeddyurappa is a popular Lingayat leader by his own right, has termed the Congress move as an attempt to divide the Hindu votes - akin to the 'divide and rule policy' of the British. In fact, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister and a senior BJP leader in Karnataka has described the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as the 'modern day Robert Clive'.
Emerging out after the meeting, Mr Shah told television journalists: "This is for the first time I got an opportunity to meet the great sage. I am pleased to get his blessings.....Mere looking at him gives the impression that one has met God".
“The sage has also succeeded in bringing all sections of society together through education,” Mr Shah remarked adding, “I felt like seeing God when I met the revered pontiff"
The BJP chief expressed happiness that the popular Lingayat Mutt runs 125 educational institutions across the state and was involved in many pro-people programmes.
Lingayats form considerable size of the electorate in the state and the state government move is said to have caused some embarrassment to the BJP forcing it to redraw the political strategy.
"The blessing of Swamiji will definitely give boost to our strength when the BJP is fighting the elections under the leadership of Yeddyurappa," Mr Shah later said.
The BJP president during his day-long stay in the poll-bound Karnataka will participate at a Coconut Growers Convention at Tiptur, visit Rashtrakavi Kuvemput Memorial at Kuppali and also meet Arecanut Growers.
There will be a road show, interaction with Trade and Business community and visit at Bekkinahollad Mutt - all in Shivamogga area, according to BJP sources.
Mr Shah's visit to Shivamogga district is also meant for ironing out the difference of opinion between Mr Yeddyurappa and his party colleague and Opposition leader in the Legislative Council K S Eshwarappa. UNI
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