Fakira Dingaleshwar Swami, the head of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Mutt, has withdrawn from the race for the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat.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. However, Swami has now clarified that he has withdrawn on the orders of his guru, Sri Fakira Siddarama Swami. Swami has stated that he will continue to fight for the rights of his community against Joshi. Both the Congress and BJP have approached Swami for support, but he has not yet decided which party to back.