Managuli Hiremath seer addresses CM in singular and abuses him, later retracts remarks

VIJAYAPURA: Religious leader Abhinava Sangabasava Shivacharya Swami of the Managuli Hiremath on Wednesday lashed out at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the 2A category reservation issue for Panchamasalis, addressing the CM in singular and even calling him ‘lafanga’. After facing backlash, he retracted his statement and issued an apology on Thursday.

Speaking Ronihala village in Kolhar taluk on Wednesday Abhinava Sangabasava Shivacharya Swami said MPs, MLAs and ministers divide people on the basis of caste and sects for votebank politics. He also said CM Siddaramaiah keeps putting off the 2A reservation issue for political reasons.

The seer also castigated the CM for putting his arm around Jayamruthyunjaya Swami at a lawyers’ meeting and said, “If it were me, I would have slapped him and asked him to get away. A religious leader has a certain standing however close one may be. He will never give 2A reservation”.

Following objections to his remarks, on Thursday, in a video message, the seer said, “Some of Siddaramaiah’s followers have told me that while speaking at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Jayantotsava event, I spoke harshly about the CM. In pain over the reservation issue, I have used a couple of words which do not behove Siddaramaiah’s position. Hence, I retract my remarks and express regret”.