Dharwad: The BJP district unit in Dharwad held a large protest today, demanding the immediate reversal of the “Waqf” designation placed on farmers’ land records and the resignation of Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. The protestors gathered in front of the District Collector’s office, vocally opposing the state government’s recent action.
The protesters raised slogans and demanded that the state government withdraw the gazette notification which has led to the controversial entry of “Waqf” on land records, sparking widespread discontent among farmers and landowners. They also called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to publicly apologise to the people and clarify the government’s position on the issue.
As part of the protest, BJP leaders urged the state government to pass a unanimous resolution regarding the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill. They called for the Bill to be promptly submitted to the central government to address concerns surrounding Waqf land encroachments.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Aravind Bellad, took a strong stance against the government’s handling of the Waqf issue. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of using the controversy to distract the public from ongoing scandals involving the state government, particularly the Mudhol Corporation scam and irregularities in the Valmiki Development Corporation. Bellad further claimed that the issue was being used to divert attention from the government’s failures.
Alongside Bellad, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi and former MLA Seema Masuti were also present at the protest, voicing their concerns over the issue. The leaders reiterated the demand for the state government to address the grievances of farmers and landowners who believe that their lands were being wrongfully classified under Waqf, a designation which traditionally pertains to properties managed by religious endowments.
This protest is the latest in a series of political actions over the Waqf land issue, which has become a contentious topic in Karnataka politics, with farmers and opposition parties accusing the government of trying to undermine land ownership rights. The BJP has stated that it will continue to fight for the rights of farmers and ensure that their land records are corrected.