Fakira Dingaleshwar Swami, the head of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Mutt, has withdrawn from the race for the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat. Swami’s decision to contest against Union Minister Pralhad Joshi had created a stir, but he has now clarified that he has withdrawn on the orders of his guru, Sri Fakira Siddarama Swami.
Before the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers ended on Monday, Dingaleshwar Swami withdrew from the race. He has clarified that leaders of both the Congress and the BJP had approached him, requesting him to change his decision and seeking his support for their candidates. However, Swami has stated that he has not yet decided which party to back.
Swami has emphasized that he will consult with his followers and other religious heads before making any decision. Regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement that he had requested the seer to withdraw from the contest, Swami has said that his decision was based on the orders of his guru.
Swami has also challenged Union Minister Basanagouda Patil’s allegation that he was paid to contest the election. He has dared Patil to make public the source of the alleged payment.
