Kaneri Math seer defends his use of language against Lingayat seers

Sri Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami of Kaneri Math defended his use of abusive words against some Lingayat seers saying that he uttered commonly used words in colloquial language and that there is no need to take them seriously.

He was speaking at the Basavadi Sharanara Bruhat Hindu Samavesha in Babaleshwar of Vijayapura district on Monday.

“The words I uttered are very commonly used in rural North Karnataka. No one needs to take them seriously. However, I used such a language to reprimand some seers who are trying to damage the basic pillars of Hinduism. There is an urgent need to do so,” he said.

“No other seer was ready to reprimand those trying to cause damage. I’m ready for all consequences. I have the courage to do so. That is why I reprimanded them. I also warn them that such behaviour is not acceptable. My warnings seem to have worked. I threw a bomb three months ago and it is still having its effect. There are fireworks every day. My words have had such an effect that they are coming to me with folded hands and requesting me to stop speaking. To such people, I say, you started it and therefore, you should stop it,” he said.

He said that due to his warning, attacks on Hindutva by Lingayat seers and leaders have come down drastically. “Common people are holding them accountable for insulting Hinduism. My warning has caused heart attacks in some leaders. One person even told me that my words shocked him so much that he was forced to get a stent in his heart. Another told me that he has vowed never to speak of anything other than Basavanna and nationalism. To such people, who have regretted their remarks and have had a change of heart, I say, join me and let us work towards strengthening our religion. We are not enemies and let us retain our friendship,” he said.

He said that the seer of Bhalki Math has gone to Union Minister V. Somanna to resolve the differences between Kaneri Math seer and other seers. “Mr. Somanna called me on my mobile phone and asked me to speak to the seer. I said I carry no animosity towards anyone and asked him to work with me. I may have ideological differences with you, but I have great affection for you. I will stop talking about you people, the day you stop trying to divide the Lingayat Samaj. I want you to declare that Veerashaiva and Lingayat are one. You should not try to portray that Basavanna was an atheist and that he was anti-Vedas. That day, I will keep quiet,” he said.

The former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, several Lingayat seers and other community leaders were present.