Lingayat seer exits contest against Union minister Pralhad Joshi

DHARWAD/HUBBALLI: Union minister Prahlad Joshi’s Dharwad Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka will see a head-to-head battle between BJP and Congress after a prominent Lingayat seer, Dingaleshwar Swami, withdrew from the May 7 polls as an independent. Lingayats make up a majority in the area. Joshi, a four-time MP, is a Brahmin.

The exit of Swami of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Mutt on the last day for withdrawal of nominations was like an anti-climax. It came hours after CM Siddaramaiah said he had requested the seer to quit and support governing Congress. The aim was to prevent division of votes and ensure Joshi’s defeat, Siddaramaiah said, adding Swami and his mutt advocated secular principles like Congress.

The seer, who had attacked Joshi for “suppressing” Veerashaiva-Lingayat and other communities, and misusing and causing disrepute to Lingayat Mutts, said he decided to withdraw because of his guru (head of Fakkireshwar Mutt). “Several devotees and pontiffs shared their opinions…but the reason I withdrew is because my guru ordered me to. He said it would be best if I did not contest. But I will continue my ‘Dharma Yuddha’ against Joshi,” Swami said.

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