Congress playing safe ahead of Karnataka polls, says skip Lingayat issue during campaign — Nation at 9

Siddaramaiah government’s decision to grant religion tag to Lingayat appears to have boomeranged for the Congress. Top Party Sources have confirmed the Congress high command has suggested its Karnataka leaders to avoid mentioning the contentious issue in poll rallies. Sources also add, the central leaders want to tread cautiously on the issue, said a senior Congress leader. While the real issues have taken a backseat in the run up to crucial Karnataka Assembly Fire, the question is can Congress douse the fire it ignited by giving nod to Lingayat religion.