Davanagere: Railway minister of State V Somanna said the victory festival commemorating Rani Chennamma’s triumph in the Anglo-Kittur war will be celebrated by the Centre from next year.He made the announcement while speaking at the bicentennial celebration of the Har festival and Kittur Rani Chennamma victory festival organised at Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha in Harihar, on Thursday.The Union minister said he will discuss with PM Narendra Modi to ensure that this victory festival is celebrated by the central govt from next year. “Kittur Rani Chennamma’s history needs to be told to the future generations. She was an inspiration not only to the people of Panchamasali community, but to all Kannadigas. Railway projects costing Rs 49,000 crore, which were stalled for 25 years in the state, are being taken up. Several projects, including the Davangere–Chitradurga–Tumkur direct railway line, will be realised,” Somanna assured.Former chief minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai opined that strength exists only when society remains united. Despite repeated attempts to create differences between the two Peethas of the Panchamasali community, Vachanananda Swami worked to unite hearts by asserting that both Peethas are one. All of them wished for a single Peetha, but two Peethas came into existence. “Even when efforts were made to create differences between the Peethas and several allegations were made, Vachanananda Swami consistently declared that both Peethas are one,” the former CM said.Vachanananda Swami, pontiff of Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha of Harihar, said that until Veerashaiva Lingayat receives independent religious status, Hinduism is their religion. A clear stance was taken during the caste census, to guide the community. There was no hatred or animosity between Kudalasangama and Harihar Panchamasali seats and their leaders. “There is no animosity between the two seats and their leaders. The head of the Kudalasangama seat organised the community and is doing good work,” he said.Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswami of Taralabalu Mutt, Sirigere, Valmiki Prasannanandapuri Mahaswami, Basava Machideva Mahaswami of Madivala Peetha, Hara Jatra festival president Dr Basavaraj Veerapur, and others were present.
