{"id":4650,"date":"2025-07-02T01:00:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T19:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=4650"},"modified":"2025-07-02T01:00:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T19:30:28","slug":"centuries-of-harmony-at-risk-karnataka-muslim-forum-urges-lingayat-unity-against-divisive-politics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=4650","title":{"rendered":"“Centuries of Harmony at Risk: Karnataka Muslim Forum Urges Lingayat Unity Against Divisive Politics”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Muslim Brotherhood Forum Karnataka Calls for Strengthening Lingayat-Muslim Unity Amid Political Tensions<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

“\u0cae\u0cc1\u0cb8\u0ccd\u0cb2\u0cbf\u0c82 \u0cac\u0cbe\u0c82\u0ca7\u0cb5\u0ccd\u0caf \u0cb5\u0cc7\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0c95\u0cc6\u0caf \u0c86\u0cb5\u0cb9\u0ca8\u0cc6: \u0cb2\u0cbf\u0c82\u0c97\u0cbe\u0caf\u0ca4\u0cb0\u0cca\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cc6 \u0cb9\u0cbf\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0ca8\u0c82\u0ca5 \u0cb8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc7\u0cb9, \u0cb8\u0cb9\u0c95\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0cb5\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0caa\u0cc1\u0ca8\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0cb8\u0ccd\u0ca5\u0cbe\u0caa\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cac\u0cc7\u0c95\u0cc1 \u2013 \u0cb0\u0cbe\u0c9c\u0c95\u0cc0\u0caf \u0c92\u0ca1\u0c95\u0cc1\u0c97\u0cb3\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cc6 \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0cc1\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0ca7 \u0c98\u0ccb\u0cb7\u0ca3\u0cc6”<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Historic Ties, Modern Challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n

VIJAYAPURA \u2013 In a bid to reinforce communal harmony, the\u00a0Muslim Brotherhood Forum Karnataka<\/em>\u00a0(MBFK) organized a community interaction and press conference at Hotel Madhuvan International in Vijayapura. The event highlighted the centuries-old bond between Lingayats and Muslims while addressing contemporary political strains threatening this relationship.<\/p>\n

The forum, formed three years ago by Muslim writers, thinkers, and social activists, has actively engaged with prominent\u00a0mathas<\/em>\u00a0(monastic institutions) like Adichunchanagiri and Siddaganga to foster inter-community solidarity.<\/p>\n

“\u0cb2\u0cbf\u0c82\u0c97\u0cbe\u0caf\u0ca4-\u0cae\u0cc1\u0cb8\u0ccd\u0cb2\u0cbf\u0c82\u0cb0 \u0ca8\u0ca1\u0cc1\u0cb5\u0cc6 800 \u0cb5\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0cb7\u0c97\u0cb3 \u0cb8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc7\u0cb9. \u0c86\u0ca6\u0cb0\u0cc6 \u0c87\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0ca8 \u0cb0\u0cbe\u0c9c\u0c95\u0cc0\u0caf \u0c85\u0ca6\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0c89\u0cb3\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cc1\u0ca4\u0ccd\u0ca4\u0ca6\u0cc6\u0caf\u0cc7?”<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A Legacy of Shared History<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In an open letter addressed to the Lingayat community, MBFK emphasized the deep-rooted socio-cultural and political ties between the two communities:<\/p>\n

\n

“For over eight centuries, Lingayats and Muslims have coexisted with mutual respect. Basavanna\u2019s teachings and Sufi traditions have intertwined, creating a unique heritage. Even today, many Muslims revere Basavanna\u2019s philosophy, while Lingayats have historically honored Islamic customs.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The forum noted that Karnataka\u2019s political landscape has seen ten Lingayat Chief Ministers, many of whom rose to power with significant Muslim support. However, it lamented that reciprocity has been lacking:<\/p>\n

\n

“While Muslims have consistently voted for Lingayat leaders across parties, Lingayat political support for Muslim representation remains minimal. Worse, some Lingayat-led governments have undermined Muslim rights\u2014scrapping reservations, attacking hijab and halal practices\u2014deepening distrust.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Political Exploitation and Erosion of Trust<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The forum criticized divisive forces exploiting religious identities for electoral gains:<\/p>\n

\n

“Political opportunists have weaponized our differences. The recent revocation of Muslim quotas to benefit Lingayats was not just an injustice but a betrayal of our shared history.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Citing former CM Basavaraj Bommai\u2019s controversial quota reallocation, MBFK argued that such moves fracture social cohesion.<\/p>\n

A Call for Collective Responsibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The forum urged intellectuals from both communities to counter polarization:<\/p>\n

\n

“We must reclaim our legacy of harmony. If we fail, history will judge us as complicit in this divide.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The event concluded with resolutions to:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Strengthen grassroots dialogue<\/strong>\u00a0between Lingayat and Muslim leaders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Advocate for equitable political representation<\/strong>\u00a0to ensure Muslim voices are heard.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Resist divisive narratives<\/strong>\u00a0perpetuated by extremist groups.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    As Karnataka navigates rising communalism, the MBFK\u2019s initiative underscores an urgent need for unity. The forum plans similar engagements across the state, aiming to rebuild trust through shared cultural and democratic values.<\/p>\n

    Key Takeaway:<\/strong>
    \nWhile history binds Lingayats and Muslims, contemporary politics risks severing those ties. The MBFK\u2019s appeal is a timely reminder that solidarity, not division, must define Karnataka\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

    Key Quotes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

    From MBFK Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      \u201cOur ancestors built eight centuries of solidarity. Today, politicians profit by breaking it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      \u201cMuslim votes helped elect Lingayat CMs, but where is reciprocity in safeguarding our rights?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      \u201cRevoking Muslim reservations to placate Lingayats wasn\u2019t justice\u2014it was electoral theft.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      From Lingayat Attendees (Hypothetical):<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n

        \u201cWe share festivals, Sufi shrines, and ideals. Let\u2019s not let outsiders redefine our relationship.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      2. \n

        \u201cTrue Lingayat dharma rejects divisiveness. We must hold our leaders accountable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \n

        Q&A Section<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

        Q: Why focus on Lingayat-Muslim ties specifically?<\/strong>
        \nA:<\/em>\u00a0“Lingayats and Muslims are Karnataka\u2019s two most influential communities. Their unity sets the tone for statewide harmony\u2014but today, it\u2019s being weaponized.”<\/em><\/p>\n

        Q: What\u2019s the biggest obstacle to reconciliation?<\/strong>
        \nA:<\/em>\u00a0“Short-term electoral gains. Parties inflame tensions to consolidate votes, then abandon promises. We need grassroots pressure to force change.”<\/em><\/p>\n

        Q: Any immediate demands?<\/strong>
        \nA:<\/em>\u00a0“Restore Muslim quotas, condemn hate speech, and ensure fair representation in ticket distribution.”<\/em><\/p>\n

        \n

        Background & Context<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • \n

          8th Century Roots:<\/strong>\u00a0Lingayat reformist Basavanna and Sufi saints shared egalitarian ideals, fostering mutual respect.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Political Legacy:<\/strong>\u00a0Post-Independence, Muslim votes helped elect 10 Lingayat CMs (e.g., Yediyurappa, Bommai).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Recent Fractures:<\/strong>\u00a02022 quota reallocation, hijab bans, and anti-halal rhetoric widened rifts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \n
          <\/div>\n

          <\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

          <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Muslim Brotherhood Forum Karnataka Calls for Strengthening Lingayat-Muslim Unity Amid Political Tensions “\u0cae\u0cc1\u0cb8\u0ccd\u0cb2\u0cbf\u0c82 \u0cac\u0cbe\u0c82\u0ca7\u0cb5\u0ccd\u0caf \u0cb5\u0cc7\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0c95\u0cc6\u0caf \u0c86\u0cb5\u0cb9\u0ca8\u0cc6: \u0cb2\u0cbf\u0c82\u0c97\u0cbe\u0caf\u0ca4\u0cb0\u0cca\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cc6 \u0cb9\u0cbf\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0ca8\u0c82\u0ca5 \u0cb8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc7\u0cb9, \u0cb8\u0cb9\u0c95\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0cb5\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0caa\u0cc1\u0ca8\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0cb8\u0ccd\u0ca5\u0cbe\u0caa\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cac\u0cc7\u0c95\u0cc1 \u2013 \u0cb0\u0cbe\u0c9c\u0c95\u0cc0\u0caf \u0c92\u0ca1\u0c95\u0cc1\u0c97\u0cb3\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cc6 \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0cc1\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0ca7 \u0c98\u0ccb\u0cb7\u0ca3\u0cc6” Historic Ties, Modern Challenges VIJAYAPURA \u2013 In a bid to reinforce communal harmony, the\u00a0Muslim Brotherhood Forum Karnataka\u00a0(MBFK) organized a community interaction and press conference at Hotel Madhuvan International in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4651,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-karnataka"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4650"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4653,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4650\/revisions\/4653"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4651"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}