Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, JLM’s national general secretary S. M. Jamadar said the state should not hand the Anubhava Mantapa over to any private organisation or mutt, but should instead consult with stakeholder Lingayat bodies before deciding its future governance.
Jamadar proposed the creation of a special committee comprising representatives of Lingayat mutts and organisations to oversee event planning, daily operations, and specific responsibilities such as mass lunches under the Dasoha programme, literary activities, vachana study camps and workshops.
The Mahasabha’s recent national annual general meeting resolved to run programmes that highlight the philosophy of Basavanna and the Sharana saints, promote Kayaka (service), advance gender equality and work toward eradicating the caste system.
Karnataka minister Eshwar Khandre has announced that the Anubhava Mantapa will be inaugurated in March 2027, but the JLM noted that the promised ₹450 crore grant has not yet been released, road‑work linking the site has stalled, and tenders for the Dasoha hall, pilgrim accommodation and parking have not been invited, delaying those components by three to four months.
Citing these delays and what it described as a politically‑driven rush to open the centre, the JLM called for the inauguration to be pushed back to January 2028.
The Mahasabha also warned that some mutts and individuals aligned with the Sangh Parivar are planning a “Basava Bharata” programme; while it does not object to the event, it said it will oppose any distortion of Basava’s teachings or the insertion of Hindutva ideology.
In addition to its stance on the Mantapa, JLM announced a January 2027 campaign to print and distribute pamphlets across all taluks and rural areas, advising the Lingayat community on the upcoming 2026‑27 caste census.
The organisation said it will set up a special advisory unit in every district to support inter‑caste and inter‑faith couples within the Lingayat community, and will reach out to groups representing the 38 sub‑sects of the faith to offer them Mahasabha membership. Office‑bearers Basavaraj Rotti, Ashok Malagali and others were present at the briefing.