Panchamasali Trust mulls alternative to seer in Kudalasangama
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Kashappanavar said the trustees have not asked Basavajaya Mruthyunjaya Swami to relinquish the post of pontiff. "However, as swamiji himself expressed his intention to establish his own mutt on the banks of River Malaprabha, we are planning to appoint another seer soon. Community members are disappointed by his behaviour," he added.
His statement follows an open rift with Swami in recent months.
He mentioned that a "great leader" purchased land for the peetha between Hubballi and Belagavi. "Swamiji can establish his mutt on the banks of River Malaprabha or between Hubballi and Belagavi. We have no objections. We will appoint an alternative seer to spread Basava philosophies. A decision will be made in a trustees' meeting to be held soon," he stated.
He recalled that Swami was appointed in 2008 for the development of Panchamasali community and to spread the philosophies of Basava and other sharanas.
However, he forgot those aspects and became involved in recommending transfers of govt officials and employees. "He pursued publicity. According to the trust bylaws, swamijis are not allowed to own properties. Yet, he owns two houses in Belagavi, and one each in Hubballi and Bengaluru.
The trust issued a notice to him in 2019, and he apologised for it. He rarely stays in the peetha. Whenever he was there, some illicit activities occurred with some miscreants.
Suspicious of his activities, we installed CCTV cameras there," he claimed.
When asked about the incident of locking the peetha in Kudalasangama, Kashappanavar said it was to protect the peetha. "Swamiji broke the lock through someone and felicitated them for doing so. Swamiji is sitting under a party banner and speaking in favour of only one person," he alleged.
Another Panchamasali leader, Neelakanth Asuti, alleged that Swami had not visited Kudalasangama for long.
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