Karnataka Government Accuses BJP of Deceptive Claims Regarding Waqf

Belagavi, Dec 16 (NationPress) Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge asserted on Monday that the BJP is misleading the public with unfounded allegations regarding the Waqf issue in the state.

“The BJP has been addressing the Waqf matter for the last week. However, they are doing so without any evidence, documentation, or proof. Their sole aim is to mislead the populace. Vijayendra is accountable for offering Rs 150 crore to bury the report concerning the Waqf scam case and must provide an explanation,” the minister stated during a press conference at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

He mentioned that the Leader of the Opposition, C.T. Ravi, along with several other leaders, including the state BJP President, are disseminating false information about the Waqf.

“Concerning the Haveri farmer suicides, BJP leaders, including the MP from Bengaluru, provided incorrect information, later retracted it, and are now attempting to justify their actions. Their goal is to exploit these incidents for political advantage. The BJP's contradictory stance is clear. In their manifesto, they promised to conduct GISS mapping and protect these properties,” he emphasized.

Responding to a query from Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, he stated that the central government had announced an expenditure of Rs 335 crore to allocate Rs 12 crore to each state for conducting GISS mapping and digitizing assets, thereby enhancing the community’s economic status.

“In this context, I previously mentioned that during and after the elections, the state BJP President Vijayendra attempted to bribe the former Minority Commission Chairman with crores of rupees,” Kharge asserted.

He noted that in the Assembly, Vijayendra claimed that the government was engaging in a hit-and-run tactic and that ministers were making unfounded accusations against him.

“Neither the Congress party nor I made these claims. The assertions originated from your party’s spokesperson and appointee, Anwar Manipaddy. Is Anwar Manipaddy affiliated with the Congress? I merely referenced allegations reported in the media, which the BJP appears to have overlooked. The video clips related to this are readily available for public viewing. These videos have been aired on reputable news channels. The videos clearly indicate that this constitutes a Rs 2.5 lakh crore scam, and it is noted that even their own party members are not in support of them,” he stated.

He continued by saying that Anwar Manipaddy has claimed to have uncovered this case following discussions with other leaders, suggesting there might be a significant cover-up.

“Anwar Manipaddy also stated he has the backing of the Sangh and that this matter should be pursued to its logical conclusion. He mentioned that Vijayendra approached him for a settlement and proposed a specific sum. These responses can be located within the BJP office itself; there’s no need to come to us. Anwar Manipaddy further alleged that former CM B.S. Yediyurappa’s son, Vijayendra, personally made an offer involving a substantial amount of money,” Kharge claimed.

He added that Anwar Manipaddy clearly articulates that when confronted, they fled with their ‘gunman’.

“Anwar Manipaddy has continuously voiced these allegations. Despite this, the BJP accuses the Congress government of a hit-and-run method. Anwar Manipaddy wrote a letter to Yediyurappa, accusing him of corruption involving Rs 4.5 lakh crore in Waqf properties, with supporting evidence. He has also communicated with the Prime Minister and others, indicating that Vijayendra and some BJP leaders are attempting to suppress this case. These claims have been widely covered in the press,” Kharge stated.

He pointed out that the BJP, now calling for a CBI investigation, should clarify why they did not initiate a CBI inquiry even after the report reached the Prime Minister.

“Anwar Manipaddy had revealed that he reported this matter to three Chief Ministers, yet no action was taken. On Sunday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi suggested that the scam might amount to Rs 1,500 crore rather than Rs 150 crore, as BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal noted that Vijayendra has acquired thousands of crores. Joshi should inquire of his own leaders regarding these bribes,” Kharge remarked.

Earlier, Vijayendra challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday to transfer the Waqf scam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge had accused BJP State President Vijayendra of having “attempted to bribe” the former Minority Commission Chairman with Rs 150 crore during the prior government to impede an investigation into Waqf property encroachments.

However, former Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manipaddy denied the bribery allegation made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserting that Congress leaders had offered him bribes to conceal the Waqf encroachment report.

Anwar Manipaddy further stated that if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah genuinely cared for Muslims, he should submit his report on Waqf encroachments to the CBI.