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Signs of that limited dividend were clear at the Shree Siddagangaa Mutt, a major temple institution of the Lingayat caste, a strong support base for the B.J.P., in the city of Tumkur.

But in a demonstration of how caste allegiance in Karnataka does not necessarily translate into support for exclusionary politics, a majority of the 10,000 students at the schools and colleges that the Lingayat institution runs are from other castes and religions.

The dominant Lingayat community comprises 17% of the population and influences the outcome in nearly 100 seats.

The powerful Lingayat community, a Hindu sect that comprises 17% of the state's population, was expected to play a decisive role in the elections.

The powerful Lingayat community, a Hindu sect that comprises 17% of the state's population, is expected to play a decisive role in the elections.