Karnataka LS Polls: Lingayat seer files nomination as independent in Dharwad, to take on Prahlad Joshi

Fakir Dingaleshwar Swami, the head of a Lingayat mutt in Shirahatti, on Thursday filed his nomination as an independent candidate in Dharwad constituency, refusing to back down from contest.

The Swami has been rallying local seers to raise a banner of revolt against union minister Pralhad Joshi, who is seeking reelection from the BJP. The Swami has fallen out with Joshi.

Joshi won four terms before with the backing from Lingayats and is seeking election for a fifth term.


Though Dingaleshwara Swami made harsh public comments, Joshi has been polite in his response.