160 Veerashaiva-Lingayat mutt heads honor CM Siddaramaiah for declaring Basavanna as cultural ambassador, boosting Congress ahead of Lok Sabha polls. The move aims to win 18-20 seats in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah also announces the setting up of a Vachana University next year. The event highlights the Congress's careful approach to the community after the setback in the 2018 assembly polls. However, challenges remain, especially regarding the contentious caste survey report, which Lingayat and Vokkaliga leaders oppose.
