Bangaluru: BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said he is a “Hindu Vaishnav,” refuting Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s claim that the BJP chief is a Jain.

Shah, while speaking to reporters after a rally to mark the BJP’s 38th foundation day here, said, “I maintain that the Karnataka government’s move to give Lingayats a separate religion status is a move to divide the Hindus.”

“The UPA government had rejected the recommendation (to give Lingayats the status of a minority group) in 2013. The present decision has only been taken to stop Yeddyurappa from becoming the chief minister, This is an election gimmick,” he said.