Overview

• The Trust’s president, MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar, said a Saturday meeting at Kudalasangama unanimously voted to remove Basavajaya Mrutyunjaya Swami, with all 30 members present.
• Trust leaders alleged personal enrichment, a shift from Lingayat principles toward Hindutva, and overt support for a single political party.
• The flashpoint was the seer urging members to register as Hindu while the Trust pressed for listing under Others in the Socio‑Economic and Education Survey starting Monday, citing reservation implications.
• Basavajaya Mrutyunjaya Swami said he was not informed of the meeting and announced a devotees’ gathering at Kudalasangama on Monday to decide next steps.
• Kashappanavar said the Trust will appoint another seer in the coming days as the classification debate intertwines with efforts to secure 2A benefits for the community.