New Delhi: The 2026 Indian national census is looming, and with it, a renewed push for recognition from a significant community in Karnataka: the Veerashaiva-Lingayats. This community is preparing to petition the central government to officially designate them as a separate religion. The Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha, a leading organisation representing the community, is spearheading this effort. This isn’t a new demand. The Mahasabha claims to have made similar requests during previous censuses, dating back to even before India’s independence. They point to a 1940 Kumbakonam conference under British rule as evidence of this long-standing........

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