Lingayats or Veerashaiva-Lingayats are a community in Karnataka, India.Lingayatism is generally considered a Hindu sect because it includes many Hindu elements in its beliefs.
Caste plays a crucial role in deciding the outcome of elections in Karnataka.
BJP and Congress have been accusing each other of ill-treating Lingayats in the poll-bound state.
Lingayats derive their principles from the social reformer and poet Basava.Lingayatism worship is centered on Shiva in the form of Ishtalinga.
Basava rejected temple worship and Brahmin traditions in favour of a casteless society.
Many lower-caste people chose to become Lingayats to escape the strict Hindu caste system.
Lingayats are believed to be the single largest group in Karnataka.
The community constitutes about 17% of Karnataka's population.
Lingayats have dominance in 100 out of 224 constituencies in Karnataka, mainly in the north region.
The population of Lingayats and Vokkaligas is estimated to be substantially lower, at nine and eight per cent, respectively, as per the caste census conducted between 2013 and 2018.