Nagercoil/Tamil Nadu, March 21 -- The head of 'Ayya Vazhi', a reformist spiritual sect that has a significant following in southern Tamil Nadu, has raised the demand for separate religion status ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

Since a chunk of Hindu Nadars, who form the core of Ayya Vazhi, have traditionally supported the BJP in elections here, there is speculation if this stand of the sect could affect the saffron party's electoral prospects in Kanyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency it won in Tamil Nadu in 2014.

Ayya Vazhi has a significant following, especially in the southern districts of Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli.

Sporting a tilak and headgear, the sect has distinctive features in terms of offering prayers and conducti...