Bagalkot: The Akhil Bharat Lingayat Panchamasali Trust has decided to remove Sri Basava Jaya Mruthynjaya Swamiji from his position as pontiff of the Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha, following allegations related to deviation from the Peetha’s principles, property acquisition, and political involvement.

Trust General Secretary Neelakanth Asuti told reporters in Kudalasangama that the decision was taken during an executive meeting held on Sunday. "Swamiji is no longer associated with the Peetha with immediate effect," he said.

Asuti explained that the seer had suggested during a meeting in Hubballi that members of the Panchamasali community assert their religion as Hindu. "This is contrary to the principles of the trust, which operates in accordance with Basava’s teachings," he added.

Trust Chairman and Hunagund MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar alleged that Swamiji had violated trust norms by acquiring private properties in Hubballi, Belagavi, and Bengaluru. "We will reveal these details soon," he stated, noting that some vested interests were reportedly using the seer to suppress the ongoing agitation for 2A reservation. Kashappanavar also suggested that Swamiji’s proposal to identify as Hindu in the caste census is part of a wider “conspiracy.”

Swamiji was unavailable for comment.