Ban on entry of Kaneri mutt seer to Vijayapura district for two months

Vijayapura district administration in Karnataka has banned the entry of Sri Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami of Kaneri mutt in Kolhapur in Maharashtra for two months.

The seer faces complaints and protests by several Lingayat and other organisations for his reported statements against some seers who are demanding separate religion status for Lingayats. The two-month ban is to prevent possible law and order problems.

The Kaneri mutt seer was supposed to visit Vijayapura district on October 16 and 17 during the death anniversary of Sri Siddarameshwar swami in Basavana Bagewadi.

Vijayapura Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate K. Anand issued an order, under BNSS 163, prohibiting the seer’s entry into the district from October 16 to December 14. This is based on a police report on the statements made by the seer made at a public rally in Bilur in Maharashtra. The seer allegedly used abusive language against Lingayat seers who are seeking recognition for Lingayat religion. He also said the seers deserve to be beaten with slippers.

“He made several statements that are aimed at creating enmity between communities,” Deputy Superintendent of Police of Basavana Bagewadi stated in a report.

Based on this, SP Laxman Nimbaragi recommended to the District Magistrate to prohibit the entry of the seer.

At a meeting in Vijayapura on October 14, leaders of various Lingayat organisations demanded strict action against the Kaneri mutt seer.

J. S. Patil, Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha leader, said that the seer was used to making controversial and abusive statements. He has insulted liberal and progressive seers and leaders even in the past. He needs to be reprimanded by appropriate authorities, Dr. Patil said.

DSS district convener Channu Kattimani has submitted a complaint against the seer seeking appropriate legal action against him.

Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, MLA and expelled BJP leader, has condemned the decision of the district administration. He has demanded that the prohibitory order be withdrawn immediately. He threatened to call for a Vijayapura district bandh if the decision was not revoked.