Achi news desk-
Dingleshwar Swami-Prahlad Joshi
– Photo: Social Media
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Virshaiva Lingayat saint Dingleshwar Swami, head of Shirahatti Fakkareshwar Math, said on Monday that he has decided to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Dharwad region. Targeting the BJP candidate from the region and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, he accused him of oppressing Veershaiva-Lingayat and other communities and abusing Lingayatism to stay in power.
I will contest election from Dharwad Lok Sabha seat – Dingleshwar Swamy
Dingleshwar Swamy said I am declaring as an independent candidate from Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency. As you know, the national parties have announced their candidates and people in Dharwad constituency and surrounding areas feel that both parties have indulged in election coordination like match fixing.
Everything you say is a blessing for me – Prahlad Joshi
Meanwhile, reacting to Swamy’s decision, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said there is no comment on Dingleshwar Swamy. Everything he says is a blessing to me. The saint also accused the Congress government of neglecting Lingayats after coming to power and not giving suitable posts to competent leaders of the community. Talking to reporters, he accused both the BJP and the Congress of betraying the people of the Dharwad constituency.
Ultimatum given to change candidate from BJP
The eminent Lingayat saint said there should not be politics over religion and there should be religion in politics. According to the will of the people, I will continue even after the elections. Several saints from the Dharwad region, especially those from the Lingayat community, met in Hubli on March 27 under the leadership of Dingleshwar Swami and requested the BJP central leadership to replace the party’s Dharwad Lok Sabha candidate Pralahad Joshi. He gave time until March 31 for the party to make a decision.
