Why is there a demand for a Lingayat separate religion?

The CM Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka Cabinet decided to seek central government’s nod for giving Lingayats (including Veerashaivas who follow Basavanna) a separate religion tag, as recommended by the state government appointed expert committee. Why is there a demand for a Lingayat separate religion? Azhi Senthilnathan, an independent journalist, analyses M Natarajan’s political career.