BENGALURU: A sharp escalation of protests against Karnataka’s Congress government, farmers and BJP leaders have accused the state administration of complicity in what they call a “land grab” scheme that reclassifies thousands of acres of agricultural land as Waqf property. The controversy has spurred a wave of protests, led by BJP leaders, who allege that the Congress government, with direct influence from certain ministers, has systematically declared farmer-owned land as Waqf property, jeopardizing livelihoods and sparking fears of losing ancestral lands.
Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Act, visited Hubli on Thursday, November 7 where he met the farmers affected by the reclassification. Addressing the press, Pal expressed dismay at the extent of the issue. “Over 70 complaints were filed by farmers today alone, detailing the illegal classification of agricultural lands, temples, and other properties as Waqf property. None of this could happen without the hand of the administrative machinery, and it is clear that these decisions are coming from the state government,” he stated.
None of This Could Happen Without the State’s Hand
Pal highlighted that he came to Karnataka due to the scale of grievances from the region, adding that the complaints are particularly severe in districts like Vijayapura and Hubli. “These Waqf reclassifications are not random,” he emphasized, alleging that they align closely with the Congress government’s directives. “It’s hard to believe officials would execute such reclassifications without explicit instructions from the government.” Pal also promised that the JPC would draft a comprehensive report based on the grievances and submit it to Parliament, advocating for amendments to the Waqf Act.
During his visit, Pal was accompanied by BJP MP Tejaswi Surya and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, both of whom expressed solidarity with the farmers and reiterated their party’s commitment to addressing the issue. Karandlaje lambasted the Congress government, claiming that Karnataka is witnessing a “land jihad” wherein farmers’ lands are unfairly taken under the guise of Waqf designation. “Our farmers are struggling to protect their land, which should be protected, not taken away by intimidation,” she declared.
Waqf Land Classification Dispute triggered outrage
The Waqf reclassification dispute has triggered outrage in Karnataka. As JPC chairman, Pal assured farmers that the committee would work to “bring about a transparent Waqf Amendment Act.” He accused Karnataka Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan of directing officials to classify farmers’ properties as Waqf and issuing notices to affected farmers without proper legal basis. “This is all happening because of Minister Zameer’s orders. Why are notices sent to farmers without court orders or legislative backing?” he questioned, pointing to widespread resentment against the minister among affected communities.
Local BJP leaders have staged protests across Karnataka, particularly in Vijayapura, where the dispute has reached a boiling point. MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal called for the complete nationalization of Waqf properties across the country, declaring that lands designated as Waqf should be transformed into public assets. “If we don’t act now, we will lose our heritage and lands. This is not about one community; it’s about preserving Karnataka’s land for all citizens,” he said. Yatnal accused the Congress government of following a hidden agenda to reallocate lands under Waqf, which would lead to long-term demographic and economic implications.
Protests and Accusations on All Sides
In Vijayapura, farmers, joined by activists and local religious leaders, staged an indefinite sit-in protest demanding the immediate reversal of Waqf classifications on their lands. The district, the first to implement the central government’s Waqf Amendment Bill, has been a hotspot of unrest, with protestors calling for the dissolution of the 1974 Waqf Gazette that they argue led to today’s issues. JPC Chairman Pal visited the protest site and assured farmers that their concerns would be addressed at the national level.
On behalf of the district’s religious and farming communities, Adrishya Kadasiddeshwar Swamiji of Kanheri Mutt and Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangam Panchamasali Peeth presented reports to the JPC, outlining the land struggles under Waqf reclassification. “The property that should belong to farmers, monasteries, and associations is being forcibly reclassified. This is an assault on our community’s rights and our heritage,” Swamiji declared, likening the Waqf Act to a “tire with 40 punctures” that can only be fixed through an overhaul.
As the JPC examines possible amendments to the Waqf Act, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje ramped up her criticism, accusing Congress of enabling “land terrorism” and “land jihad.” Karandlaje questioned Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s motives, alleging that he had exerted pressure on district authorities to implement Waqf reclassifications, despite facing strong resistance from local communities. She noted that Waqf properties had grown dramatically in Karnataka, asserting, “The assets under Waqf increased tremendously after Congress came to power, with thousands of acres now in Waqf control—only after defense and railways does Waqf have this much land.”
As the debate intensifies, BJP leaders are demanding an immediate reversal of Waqf classifications on all disputed lands. The opposition party has made it clear that they will not relent until Congress is held accountable. MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal vowed to take the fight to the state legislature and Parliament, calling on the central government to nationalize Waqf properties as public assets. “Our vision is to ensure these lands serve Karnataka, not be isolated under arbitrary Waqf declarations,” Yatnal stated.
A National Issue in the Making?
This complex land dispute is poised to have lasting implications in Karnataka and beyond. With over 1,500 properties reportedly affected by Waqf reclassifications, many believe this issue may set a precedent for other states grappling with similar land disputes. JPC Chairman Pal emphasised that the Waqf Amendment Act must be revisited to protect the rights of all citizens, promising that the committee would hold additional hearings to understand the full impact of Waqf reclassifications across Karnataka.
“Farmers are fighting for their lives and livelihood. We have to protect the land rights of our citizens from arbitrary classifications that strip them of ownership,” Pal stated. As the JPC prepares its recommendations, the BJP aims to leverage this momentum to launch a statewide campaign for “land justice,” positioning itself as a protector of farmers and heritage lands against Congress’s alleged “land grab” schemes.
As tensions continue to rise, the coming months will reveal whether Karnataka’s land reclassification disputes will become a rallying cry in upcoming elections and whether the JPC’s findings can influence a larger policy overhaul across India.
