Bagalkot/Bengaluru:In a major twist within Karnataka’s influential Panchamasali Lingayat community, the Kudala Sangama Panchamasali Gurupeetha – considered the spiritual headquarters of the community – was mysteriously locked up, triggering political and social ripples across the state.
The incident unfolded just days after the Peetha’s head, Sri Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji, intensified his district-level mobilisations demanding 2A reservation for the Panchamasali community. Interestingly, the Peetha was locked allegedly under the instructions of Congress MLA and Peetha Trust President Vijayand Kashappanavar, once seen as a key supporter of the reservation movement.
According to Kashappanavar’s supporters, the lock was placed around four days ago, and an attempt to remove it on Sunday led to tensions. A complaint was filed at the Hunagund police station, and an FIR has been registered against five individuals close to the Swamiji, accusing them of breaking the lock.
Speaking to media, Kashappanavar defended his decision, stating:
“As the Peetha’s trust president, it is my duty to protect the institution. Swamiji rarely stays at the Peetha, and it had become a hub for immoral activities at night, including illegal gatherings and drinking. It had started resembling a touring talkies. So I had no choice but to lock it.”
Swamiji, who is currently away on a state tour to mobilize support for the reservation demand, responded saying:
“I have no idea about who locked the Peetha or why. I’ve been travelling to districts preparing our people for the reservation movement. I’ll know the real situation once I return to Kudala Sangama.”
The fallout is seen as a sign of deepening cracks within the Panchamasali movement. While Swamiji continues to push for community welfare and reservation, his once-close ally Kashappanavar appears to have distanced himself post the Congress government’s formation. Their relationship has reportedly soured over the past few months.
What began as a symbolic agitation for reservation has now turned into a power struggle over the control of the spiritual seat itself. Political observers say this infighting could derail the momentum of the 2A reservation campaign.
As events unfold, all eyes are on how this internal conflict between the spiritual and political leadership of the Panchamasali community will shape the future course of their demand.
