London [United Kingdom], April 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted the contribution of 12th-century Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara at the event "Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath" in London.

Prime Minister Modi drew attention towards the constant efforts done by Basaveshwara to uphold the values of democracy and maintain unity among the society.

"His (Lord Basaveshwara) efforts for democracy, social consciousness and women's empowerment are an inspiration for all of us," Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi further said that the ideals of Basaveshwara motivate people across the world.

This comes in the backdrop of protests held by the Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community in Karnataka and Maharashtra demanding recognition for their community as a constitutional religious minority.

Recently, the Karnataka Government granted a separate religion status to the Lingayat community in the state.

Following this, there were demands from the Maharashtra state government to send a recommendation to the Central government granting minority status to Lingayats.

Bhartiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah had said that the decision of the Karnataka government to give minority status to Lingayat community is a strategy to 'polarise votes' in the wake up the upcoming elections in Karnataka on May 12.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Modi paid floral tributes at the bust of Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) at the Albert Embankment Gardens in London. (ANI)

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