Afzalpur: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday denied reports that his government had decided to recommend a separate religion status to Lingayat community.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Siddaramaiah said, ” I wanted both Veerashiva  and Lingayat community leaders to come together and be united in asking for a separate status for the community.”

The government received five representations separately from delegations of Lingayat, Veerashiva Maha Sabha, Virakta Mathas, Pancha Peethas and Maate Mahadevi. But they did not come as a united front.

Considering this, the government has now decided to send all five representations to the Minority Welfare Commission for its recommendations. The Commission may appoint an expert committee on the matter. Based on the report the government would take an appropriate decision, the CM said.