BJP Affirms Commitment to Safeguard Farmers' Rights Amid Waqf Board Controversy, States Vijayendra

Bengaluru, Dec 4 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra asserted on Wednesday that both the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of farmers whose lands have been reportedly claimed by the Waqf Board.

While addressing the press in Bidar, Vijayendra emphasized that no unfair treatment will be meted out to farmers and that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, currently under review by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), will address their concerns.

The BJP leader encouraged all individuals, including BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, to voice their grievances regarding the alleged encroachments by the Waqf Board.

He also highlighted that a committee led by former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MP Govind Karajol had previously delivered a report in Hubballi, stressing the need to protect farmers, temples, and monasteries.

Vijayendra further accused the state Congress government of utilizing the Waqf issue as a pretext to incite farmers into protests.

He stated that the BJP has consistently opposed land encroachments that impact farmers, temples, and monasteries whose ownership has been claimed by the Waqf Board.

As part of their outreach, a tour is currently ongoing in Bidar and Kalaburagi districts, featuring leaders such as former Deputy CM and MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan, former ministers M.P. Renukacharya, B. Sriramulu, former Union Minister Bhagvant Khuba, and BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj. These leaders are set to engage with the farmers.

The Waqf board has issued notice to thousands of farmers, allegedly asserting ownership over their lands. In certain instances, the Waqf board is also accused of altering land records to claim ownership of agricultural lands without notifying farmers. Following protests initiated by the BJP, the Congress government declared the withdrawal of notices issued by the Waqf board.

In response to a recent incident of sexual assault on a minor in Yadrami, Vijayendra remarked that the law and order situation is deteriorating and that the public has lost confidence in District In-Charge Minister Priyank Kharge.

He urged the government to take decisive action without bias towards caste or religion.

Vijayendra also expressed concerns regarding extensive damage to tur dal crops due to disease, affecting 2-3 lakh acres.

He criticized the government for neglecting farmers despite its claims of outreach and called for compensation ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per acre.

Addressing allegations surrounding the MUDA scam, Vijayendra indicated that a statement from the Chief Minister or Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar could be forthcoming.

He condemned the government for obstructing the BJP's efforts to discuss the scam in the Assembly.

Vijayendra accused brokers and real estate agents of misappropriating plots valued in the thousands of crores, which were intended for the poor.

He charged the Congress government with attempting to silence opposition leaders like former CM B.S. Yediyurappa through politically driven FIRs.

He stressed that Yediyurappa, viewed as a farmer leader, would confront all challenges with courage and criticized Congress for failing to undermine BJP leaders.

Even out of office, Yediyurappa remains a respected figure among the populace as a farmer leader and advocate, he added.

Vijayendra asserted that the FIRs were politically motivated but emphasized that Yediyurappa has historically demonstrated resilience and will continue to do so.

He affirmed that Yediyurappa would boldly face all challenges and that Congress's attempts to suppress BJP leaders would ultimately fail.

Concerning dissent within the party, Vijayendra noted that the BJP state core committee meeting scheduled for December 7 will address various issues, including those related to BJP MLA S.T. Somashekar, who has been seen aligning with Congress leaders. Recently, MLA Yatnal has openly challenged Vijayendra, leading the party to issue a notice requesting an explanation from him.

"Decisions will be communicated to the party's high command," the state BJP chief concluded.