File photo: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s remarks that social reformer Basavanna conceived Lingayat as a separate religion have reignited an old controversy within Congress and triggered a war of words between ministers MB Patil and Eshwar Khandre, both Lingayats. Siddaramaiah had in 2017 sought a separate religion status for Lingayats, a move Congress later apologised for after losing the 2018 state polls.A day after the CM’s latest remarks, industries minister Patil said, “We are all Indians geographically and Hindus by faith, but like Jains or Sikhs, Lingayats are outside Hinduism’s caste system.” He added that the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha was united on this.Countering him, minister Khandre said, “No force can divide Veerashaiva and Lingayat communities — both are one.” He said their distinct customs deserved recognition and urged for a separate column in the caste survey. BJP chief BY Vijayendra said Sidda was “trying to divide Hinduism”.