By Sri Dingaleshwa
Copyright thehindu
Thousands of people are expected to head to Hubballi on Friday to participate in the Veerashaiva Lingayat Ekta Samavesh at the Nehru Stadium in a bid to send a message of Veerashaiva Lingayat unity.
In anticipation of a huge crowd, the organisers of the event, led by Sri Dingaleshwar Swami of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Mutt, along with Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Lingaya Mahasabha, have made arrangements for the event.
Hundreds of religious heads of both Guru and Virakta traditions of Veerashaiva Lingayat community are expected to participate in the convention. At the same time, scores of elected representatives from different parties are also likely to participate.
It has to be seen whether BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra and other Lingayat leaders from the party will participate in the convention. Although they agreed with the Mahasabha’s stand initially, they are on a different note now.
The convention is being held ahead of the socio economic and educational survey being carried out in the State from September 22 to send a clear message on what to mention while making entries in columns related to religion, caste and sub-caste.
Already, the Mahasabha has appealed to the community members to mention Veerashaiva or Lingayat or Veerashaiva Lingayat in the others column of religion, followed by their caste in the respective column.
The convention has gained significance as the dominant Lingayat Panchamasali community, although divided into three religious chairs, has taken the stand of mentioning Hindu in religion column and Lingayat Panchamasali in caste column.
Traffic diversion
In anticipation of the huge crowd, the Hubbali Dharwad Police Commissioner has issued an order diverting traffic movement in the city and earmarking space for parking vehicles that are expected to come from across the State.
Public transport buses, long route buses and private vehicles entering the city will have to take alternative routes designated by the police on Friday.
As vehicular movement will be prohibited on some roads on Friday, those travelling to Hubballi are requested to take note of it.
