The Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha has urged the Congress high command to appoint senior Minister M.B. Patil as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka stating that the Lingayat community has made significant contributions to the State as well as to the Congress.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Thursday, Mahasabha district president R.G. Shetgar and general secretary Ashok Ghooli said that the Lingayat community, being one of the largest communities in Karnataka, has played an important role in the social, educational and political development of the State.

They said that Lingayat mutts and institutions have rendered valuable service to society through anna dasoha and educational initiatives without discrimination based on caste or religion in keeping with the ideals of social reformer Basaveshwara and the Sharana tradition that emphasises equality and welfare of all.

The Mahasabha members recalled the contributions of prominent Lingayat Congress leaders such as B.D. Jatti, S. Nijalingappa and Veerendra Patil and said that the Congress has failed to give adequate political representation to the community in the recent decades.

Referring to the former Chief Minister Veerendra Patil, they said that he was removed from office before he completed his tenure causing injustice to the Lingayat community.

They claimed that while the Congress sought the support of Lingayat voters during elections, the community has largely been kept away from top posts in the State.

The Mahasabha leaders said that the present political developments in Karnataka have created an opportunity for the Congress leadership to appoint a Lingayat leader as Chief Minister.

Describing M.B. Patil as a progressive leader and an experienced administrator, they said that he has successfully handled various Ministerial portfolios and has worked effectively for the party and the State.

The Mahasabha urged the Congress high command to consider Mr. Patil for the Chief Minister’s post in the interest of social justice and political representation.