Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Karnataka Minister Eshwar B Khandre Elected Lingayat Body President
Eshwar B Khandre, who is a minister in Karnataka, has been chosen as the new leader of a big group called the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha.
This group is important for the Lingayat community, which is a large group of people in Karnataka.
Before this, Eshwar had a different important job in the same group for many years.
His father also used to be the leader of this group.
After he was chosen, Eshwar said he wants to build a big hostel for 1,000 women students from the Lingayat community in Bengaluru.
He also wants to make sure there are community centers in all districts and that these centers can help people prepare for important exams.
Eshwar B Khandre, Karnataka's Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister, was unanimously elected president of the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha.
The position became vacant after the demise of the previous president, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, in December last year.
Khandre had previously served as the national general secretary of the Mahasabha for 13 years.
His father, Bheemanna Khandre, also served as the president of the Mahasabha.
Khandre announced plans for a hostel accommodating 1,000 women students from the community in Bengaluru, with completion targeted within 18 months.
- Who
- Eshwar B Khandre, Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister
- What
- Elected president of the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha
- When
- On Tuesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Bengaluru
- Why
- To fill the position left vacant after the demise of the previous president, Shamanur Shivashankarappa
- Name
- Eshwar B Khandre
- Position
- President of All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha
- Previous Role
- National General Secretary of the Mahasabha for 13 years
- Father's Role
- Former President of the Mahasabha
- Meeting Location
- Bengaluru
- Hostel Plan
- 1,000 women students in Bengaluru, completion in 18 months
- Community Centers
- Veerashaiva-Lingayat Bhavans in districts without one
- Training
- Competitive exams conducted by the Public Service Commission