Explorer

PM Modi takes Lingayat issue to UK, pays tributes at Basaveshwara bust in London

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday ideals of Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara motivate people across the world as he paid floral tributes at the bust of the 12th century social reformer at Albert Embankment Gardens on the banks of the river Thames.

LONDON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows how important the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections are for him. Karnataka elections are not just about Karnataka. If the BJP can unseat the ruling Congress in the state, it will be a huge morale booster for the Narendra Modi-led NDA government before it goes to public seeking the second term at the Centre. Narendra Modi was in the United Kingdom on Wednesday but sent a strong message back home to Karnataka's Lingayat community by paying floral tributes at the bust of Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara at Albert Embankment Gardens on the banks of the river Thames in London. Modi also tweeted a message in Kannada in his bid to woo the Lingayats/Veerashaivas, which forms around 17 per cent of the Karnataka's population and are considered to be the BJP's traditional voter base. "It is an honour to pay homage to Bhagwan Basaveshwara during my UK visit. The ideals of Bhagwan Basaveshwara motivate people across the entire world," Prime Minister Modi tweeted both in Kannada and English along with photographs of the event. In another tweet Modi said: "Bhagwan Basaveshwara devoted his life towards furthering social equality and empowering the poor. He was committed to democratic values and believed in the power of debate and discussion." The event was organised by The Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organisation-based in the UK that has installed the statue of Basaveshwara. The single-phase Karnataka Assembly elections will be held on May 12 and the results will be declared on May 15. The Congress government in Karnataka took the BJP by surprise with its recommendation for according Lingayats the status of a minority religion, a demand being raised by the community for long. The BJP, which was once the supporter of the cause, is playing it safe this time without openly backing it. BJP has alleged that the Congress is playing the ‘Lingayat card’ to divide the Hindus. Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination. India has recognised Basaveshwara as one of the pioneers of democracy and his statue was installed in the Indian Parliament during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. India had also released a coin and a postal stamp as a mark of respect for Basaveshwara and his contribution to Indian society. (With inputs from agencies)
View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headline

Kejriwal To Stay Delhi CM From Jail As High Court Finds 'No Legal Bar,' Ball In LG's Court Now
Kejriwal To Stay Delhi CM From Jail As High Court Finds 'No Legal Bar,' Ball In LG's Court Now
Arvind Kejriwal Blasts ED, Tells Court Money Trail Is Sarath Reddy Giving 50 Cr To BJP After Arrest
Arvind Kejriwal Blasts ED, Tells Court Money Trail Is Sarath Reddy Giving 50 Cr To BJP After Arrest
Another Setback For Congress As Delhi HC Rejects Plea Against Income Tax Case
Another Setback For Congress As Delhi HC Rejects Plea Against Income Tax Case
ED Raids Relative Of Arvind Kejriwal's Wife In Old FEMA Case
ED Raids Relative Of Arvind Kejriwal's Wife In Old FEMA Case
Advertisement
for smartphones
and tablets

Videos

Bihar Lok Sabha Polls 2024: ABP Exclusive With Papu Yadav, MP No Longer Contesting From PurniaVarun Gandhi Pens Emotional Letter To Pilibhit After Being Denied, Says 'Mai Aapka Hu Aur Rahunga'Delhi Excise Policy Case: With CM Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest, Who Will Run The State | Watch ReportLok Sabha Elections 2024: 'BJP Just Wants To Break The Aam Aadmi Party' says Saurabh Bhardwaj

Photogallery

Embed widget