BJP Claims Waqf Resolution Shields Encroachments Under Siddaramaiah Government
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Synopsis
The recent resolution by Karnataka's Congress government opposing the Waqf Act amendment has sparked political tensions, with the BJP alleging it aims to protect encroachments and land grabbers, while Congress defends it as a stance against central overreach.
Key Takeaways
- BJP accuses Congress of shielding illegal property acquisitions.
- Congress defends its resolution as a fight against central overreach.
- Political tensions escalate in Karnataka over the Waqf Act.
- BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra claims the resolution is unconstitutional.
- Congress government criticized for minority appeasement.
Bengaluru, March 20 (NationPress) The resolution passed by the Congress-led government in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly opposing the Centre's proposed amendments to the Waqf Act has ignited a significant political conflict in the state, with the BJP asserting that this move is designed to protect encroachments.
While Congress is demanding the revocation of the amendment, the BJP accuses the ruling party of safeguarding its leaders who have unlawfully acquired properties valued in the thousands of crores.
In a statement regarding the issue, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra remarked on Thursday in Bengaluru, "On March 19, the Congress government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, passed a resolution opposing the amendment introduced by the Central government to the Waqf Act with forceful intent."
"It is essential to comprehend the intent behind this action. It is evident. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dedicated to establishing transparency and accountability in the Waqf Act, CM Siddaramaiah aims to shield land grabbers and the land mafia, who have exploited farmers' lands under the pretext of the Waqf Board," Vijayendra continued.
He alleged that numerous Congress leaders are implicated in a Waqf scam and that the Siddaramaiah-led government is covering for them. "The BJP will unveil the truth about the Congress-led government to the people of Karnataka," he declared.
"During this tenure, CM Siddaramaiah and Congress leaders have misappropriated the Waqf Act. Under the guise of the Waqf Board, a faction of Congress politicians is positioned to illegally seize properties worth thousands of crores, and the Congress government is protecting them—this is indisputable," he accused.
Vijayendra contended that the resolution opposing the Waqf Act amendment, passed by the Karnataka government, is unconstitutional. "Siddaramaiah seeks to shield those who have plundered land under the Waqf Board in the state. The BJP strongly denounces this and will bring this matter to the public's attention," he reiterated.
He further criticized the Congress government, asserting, "Regrettably, CM Siddaramaiah's approach to minority appeasement politics is unacceptable. His previous term began with the Shaadi Bhagya scheme and culminated in Tipu Jayanti. No other state in the nation observed Tipu Jayanti—only Karnataka did, and that was solely due to Siddaramaiah."
The BJP leader also accused the Congress government of protecting land grabbers during the current tenure. "Additionally, the provision of a 4 percent reservation for Muslims is regrettable. We will oppose both initiatives on the streets," he proclaimed.
In response to the allegations, Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao, addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha, asserted that opposing the Central government's Waqf Bill amendment does not equate to appeasement.
"The BJP is targeting minorities, employing every possible tactic to discriminate against and harass them. This is overt and intentional," he stated.
"The Waqf Act permits state-level decisions, but the Central government is attempting to strip away these powers. This is inappropriate. Therefore, we have communicated our significant concerns about the issue. The parliamentary commission at the Centre operated in an undemocratic manner—it was a one-party spectacle. We cannot accept this autocratic approach to governance," Rao emphasized.
"Thus, as representatives of the public, we have articulated our unequivocal position. The proposed amendment to the Waqf Act is fundamentally flawed, and the Government of India should retract it," he insisted.
When questioned about supposed false claims regarding Hindu properties by the Waqf Board, Rao replied, "The Waqf property matter is an age-old issue. Any dispute ought to be resolved through legal channels. No one endorses any illegality, including actions by the Waqf Board."
"If anyone engages in illegal conduct, appropriate action should be enforced. However, the government cannot seize powers and act beyond legal boundaries. This is the essence of what we have articulated in our resolution," he added.
Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil also commented on the matter, stating that the agenda of the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi lacks inclusivity. "They aim to foster distrust among the populace for political advantage. There is a widespread belief that the amendment intentionally targets minorities, and in this context, we are opposing it," he concluded.
