The Vijayapura Waqf Board has issued notices to local temples, creating unrest among farmers in the region. In response, BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has reassured farmers not to panic and encouraged them to pursue legal recourse. He stressed the importance of reaching out to the Waqf Board’s office upon receiving any notices.
Yatnal extended his support to farmers from surrounding districts, urging them to contact the office for assistance. He announced the formation of a legal team to challenge the notices and mentioned plans to travel across Karnataka to educate farmers about their rights. He assured that free legal aid would be provided to those affected, particularly in districts visited by Minister Jameer Ahmed Khan.
The actions of the Waqf Board have ignited controversy, with Yatnal alleging that district officials issued notices to farmers without proper justification. Meanwhile, the district in-charge minister has denied any claims of Waqf property in the area, calling it a significant misunderstanding of Waqf laws. He accused the board of attempting to create a “mini-Pakistan” in Karnataka.
Yatnal also recalled past incidents involving former district commissioner Mohammed Mohseen, who was accused of misclassifying farmers’ land as Waqf property. He criticized current leaders, including former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, for their inaction regarding these issues.
The situation has led to heightened tensions, with claims that two MLAs from Vijayapura are prioritising Muslim interests over the rights of farmers. These developments are likely to escalate the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding land use and religious property rights in the region.