The likely consolidation of a section of voters, especially Lingayats, behind the BJP would also help keep the party in pole position in the run-up to the 2019 general elections, its leaders said.

BJP believes it can make a comeback in Karnataka, win 2019 war

Lingayats have a substantial presence in Karnataka and can play a make-or-break role in assembly elections

Opinion: Lingayat row - Only Goddess rides the Tiger

Lingayats have a substantial presence in Karnataka and can play a make-or-break role in assembly elections.

A few days ago, the Karnataka government had accepted the Nagbhushan committee's suggestion to identify a separate religion for the Lingayat community

Karnataka government declares minority status to Lingayats

While Lingayats argue that their religious practices are not similar to Veerashaivas or Hindus, the Veerashaiva community has called Lingayatism a part of Hindutva.

Difference between Veerashaivas and Lingayats

But documents accessed by WION show that the BJP could face trouble for raising a similar demand way back in 2013.

Role reversal: In the past the UPA did not support Lingayat demand, BJP's Yeddyurappa did

The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka Government on Monday accepted the suggestions of Nagamohan Das committee to form a separate religion status of the Lingayats community

Who are Lingayats and how will they impact Karnataka assembly elections?

Karnataka's Lingayat community has long pressed for a separate religion tag and minority status

Karnataka government gives nod to separate religion for Lingayats

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