Karnataka BJP's Waqf Controversy Protests Continue for Second Day

Bengaluru, Dec 5 (NationPress) The protests by the Karnataka BJP concerning the alleged Waqf Board controversy in the state have reached their second day as key party leaders join the demonstrations.

“All BJP leaders are engaging in statewide protests regarding the Waqf issue, not for political gain. The corrupt Congress government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are scheming to seize lands from farmers and are also appropriating properties belonging to religious institutions and temples. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, a long-time advocate for farmers, has emphasized that this agitation is for their benefit. In Bidar, over 10,000 individuals participated in the 'Our Land, Our Right' movement, while around 8,000 gathered in Kalaburagi,” stated B.Y. Vijayendra, the state BJP chief, during a rally in Shahapur.

He pointed out that under the guise of a 1973-74 gazette notification, farmers' lands have been misclassified as Waqf properties, citing specific examples in Yadgir district where 15 acres in Gogi, over 150 acres in Hongond, 72 acres in Kadamgere, and 5 acres in Vibhuti Halli have been labeled as Waqf property.

“I caution Siddaramaiah not to test the limits of farmers' patience. They are vital to our nation and form its backbone. Your actions are targeting their lands, and you cannot maintain your position as Chief Minister through such tactics,” he asserted.

In addition, during a media briefing in Davanagere, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Legislative Council Opposition Leader, announced that the BJP is conducting a statewide tour with three teams focused on addressing issues related to Waqf properties and land encroachments.

He mentioned that data is being collected from those impacted by the Waqf Board’s notices. “The three teams are compiling information to be presented to the Joint Parliamentary Committee and the state government to secure justice for farmers and religious institutions. In Misrikote, Dharwad district, a Hindu cremation ground has been classified as Waqf property. Notices have also been issued regarding claims on school lands, cooperative society properties, and even lands with Ambedkar statues as Waqf property. Complaints from farmers in Haveri district have been received, including over four acres in Banavalli of Harihar taluk designated for a cremation ground that has been recorded as ‘Khabrastan’,” he elaborated.

He clarified that Waqf is intended to safeguard properties associated with dargahs and mosques.

“Whenever individuals from dargahs or mosques submit claims to the Waqf Board regarding certain lands, those lands are instantly registered as Waqf properties under Column 11,” he explained.

He also criticized the actions of Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, claiming that district officials are constructing compound walls around lands asserted as Waqf property, including those owned by farmers and religious institutions.

State BJP General Secretary Sunil Kumar, former minister B.C. Patil, former MP Muniswamy, former Legislative Council member Y.A. Narayanaswamy, District President Rajshekhar, and other notable leaders like Shivayogi Swami were present at the press conference.

In response to the BJP's protests concerning the Waqf issue, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked that the BJP, having faced losses in three constituencies during the by-elections, is now staging a political performance disguised as a 'Waqf protest.'

“The BJP’s protest is purely political,” stated the Chief Minister.

He also recalled that the BJP had pledged in its 2014 election manifesto to eliminate encroachments on Waqf properties.