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Monday, February 16, 2026
TopicLingayat

Topic: Lingayat

A seer ‘who lost his way’ exposes a Lingayats vs Hindutva rift in Karnataka amid caste census

After Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami urged Lingayats to identify as 'Hindu' in caste census, Akhila Bharata Lingayat Panchamasali Samaj Trust said RSS & Hindutva groups 'controlling' the seer.

Karnataka intellectuals in battle over ‘appropriation’ of Basavanna. Caste scholars vs RSS think tanks

Experts dismiss claim that 12th-century social reformer’s teachings were an extension of Vedic teachings; RSS-backed publication says Basavanna’s teachings were “misinterpreted” by leftist thinkers.

In Siddaramaiah or Shivakumar debate, forum of backward communities throws weight behind Karnataka CM

Statement by Federation of Karnataka Depressed Communities comes in backdrop of Vokkaliga seer asking Siddaramaiah to resign as chief minister to make way for deputy DK Shivakumar.

Loyalists in Modi Cabinet, Yediyurappa tightens grip on Karnataka BJP, but disquiet among Lingayats

Even former CMs Jagadish Shettar & Basavaraj Bommai were overlooked in Delhi. Lingayats are believed to be single largest caste group in Karnataka.

In Karnataka, a ‘khadi vs khavi’ battle as head of Lingayat mutt takes on BJP’s Pralhad Joshi

Karnataka Deputy CM says he will 'discuss' with Siddaramaiah & then take a call to extend support to Fakir Dingaleshwara Swami or not in Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka govt to accept 2015 caste survey report. Why it could trigger political storm

Leaked reports on the survey previously suggested that population of Vokkaligas & Lingayats is much lower than what’s commonly believed. Dalits form the biggest demographic block.

Modi charisma, quota rejig, free vaccines: 3 factors BJP’s banking on to break JDS spell in south Karnataka

In the 10 May assembly polls, the party is expecting a good show in traditional strongholds in north Karnataka, but its focus is on the south, which is a Vokkaliga belt.

Congress lead in Bengaluru, JD(S)-leaning Old Mysuru, BJP ‘Hindutva lab’ — how Karnataka voted in 2018

Karnataka is broadly divided into Kittur-Karnataka and Kalyana-Karnataka, coastal and southern Karnataka. However, there are other sub-classifications.

Bommai govt shifts Muslims from backward classes to EWS to raise quota for Vokkaligas, Lingayats

Bommai said religious minorities will instead get reservation under 10% EWS quota. Decision only affects Muslims since they were sole religious minority in given category of backward classes list.

Who are Panchamasali Lingayats & why they’re so important in Karnataka politics

Lingayats, followers of 12th-century reformer Basavanna, have a plethora of sub-sects with Panchamasalis being the most numerous. They are demanding higher share of reservation.

On Camera

The debate about spheres of influence reorders India’s position

New world reordering tests New Delhi’s strategic autonomy, balancing ties without succumbing to exclusive dominance zones.

Urban co-op banks doubled loan book in 5 yrs, but stuck at under 2% of credit market—Sahakar Trends

UCBs accounted for 1.8% of total industry credit in September 2025—down from 2.2% five yrs ago—showing that they are losing ground to faster PSU banks.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.