Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 19 (NationPress) BJP lawmakers in the Karnataka Assembly have taken a stand regarding the Waqf Board purportedly issuing claims on farmers' lands and religious institutions, insisting that the Congress administration revoke the gazette notification. This action culminated in a walkout on Wednesday.

Opposition Leader R. Ashoka underscored the significance of the issue, asserting that the government must resolve the Waqf land dispute, which impacts the livelihoods of many individuals and farmers.

He urged the Congress government to annul the gazette notification from 1974 that pertains to this matter.

In addition to R. Ashoka, Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad, former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan, former Minister V. Sunil Kumar, and others contended that merely retracting the notices to farmers and religious entities was inadequate.

They maintained that because land records had been modified, the notification itself needed to be rescinded.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly declared that the gazette notification would remain in effect.

"Why didn't you (BJP) take action when you were in power? The BJP governed Karnataka for two terms. Why didn't this issue come to light then? This is politics, and we are unfazed. We are prepared to respond, and we grasp the political landscape," stated the Chief Minister.

Referencing recent state bypolls, Siddaramaiah remarked, "What transpired in the Shiggaon and Channapatna bypolls, where the BJP campaigned on the Waqf issue? These two seats were under the NDA's control, yet we emerged victorious. We will not revoke the gazette notification."

In response, BJP members exited the Assembly session.

Later, State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed that the government would not interfere with farmers' lands allocated through the 'Inam Regrant' and the Land Reforms Act.

"The Waqf Board initially acquired 1.12 lakh acres of land in Karnataka as donations. Presently, it holds only 20,054 acres. Approximately 80 percent of its land, totaling 92,000 acres, has not been returned to the Waqf Board. Of this, farmers possess 47,263 acres via Inam regranting, and an additional 23,620 acres were granted under the Land Reforms Act. Thus, about 73,000 acres of land designated for Waqf are currently under farmers' stewardship," Minister Gowda explained.

"The Chief Minister convened a meeting with State Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan and myself. A resolution has been established to not disrupt farmers. The government is dedicated to safeguarding farmers' interests, and we take this obligation seriously," he added.

Minister Gowda also mentioned that if these 73,000 acres are disregarded, 19,000 acres of Waqf property remain encroached by individuals without valid records.

"The Waqf Board is seeking the government's assistance to recover at least this 19,000 acres. Should we not assist them?" he inquired.

He emphasized that the Waqf Board has already relinquished 76,000 acres and is now requesting merely 19,000 acres.

Out of a total of 3 crore acres of agricultural land in the state, Waqf land comprises only 20,000 acres—less than one-tenth of one percent.

Gowda pointed out that this situation affects merely one farmer out of every one lakh.

State Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan assured that if land belonging to temples or burial grounds has been designated as Waqf property, the Waqf board will not assert ownership.

Meanwhile, BJP's ally, JD(S) floor leader C.B. Suresh Babu, remained in attendance, stating he was there in the interest of the public.

Wrapping up the debate, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that his government would not treat the issue as a matter of pride and was open to forming a committee led by a retired High Court Justice to address concerns.