Bengaluru: The BJP has erupted in protests across Karnataka in response to recent Waqf board notifications, calling for immediate action to revoke the controversial gazette. From Kolar to Mangaluru, and Bengaluru to Vijayapura, BJP leaders have been vocal in their opposition, asserting their stand under the slogan “Our Land, Our Right.”
During the protests, slogans like “Waqf Board be revoked!” echoed throughout the state. The BJP has strongly opposed the Waqf Board’s designation of certain lands, including farmers’ lands and temple properties, as Waqf assets, arguing that this infringes upon the rights of landowners.
In Bengaluru, BJP leaders gathered at Freedom Park to voice their anger, with protesters holding placards and raising their concerns. The protestors highlighted that the Waqf Board’s control over lands was unjust and unfair, and they demanded that the government immediately revoke the notification.
State BJP leaders lashed out at the Congress-led state government for what they described as a move that undermined the rights of the people, particularly farmers and religious institutions. “We will not allow the government to take away our land. This is a direct attack on the people of Karnataka,” said a BJP leader during the protest.
In Mysuru, a similar demonstration took place under the leadership of MLA Srivatsa, while in Mangaluru, local BJP leaders staged a protest near the Gandhi statue, demanding the cancellation of the controversial Waqf board notification.
The BJP’s protests reflect the growing discontent over the Waqf Board’s actions, with party leaders asserting that they will continue to fight for the protection of people’s land rights. The protests have drawn significant attention and are expected to intensify in the coming days.
Former MP Pratap Simha led protest in Madikeri
In Madikeri, a protest rally was held from the Choudeshwari Temple to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where BJP leaders and activists voiced their concerns about the controversial issue.
Speaking at the protest, former MP Pratap Simha strongly criticized the Congress-led state government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He alleged that the government, which came to power in May 2023, was acting in a manner that resembled the establishment of a Taliban-style regime. “We warned before the elections that if Congress comes to power, it will lead to a Taliban-like government, and today, that is becoming a reality,” he said.
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ರೈತರ, ಬಡವರ, ಮಠ – ಮಂದಿರಗಳ ಜಮೀನುಗಳನ್ನು ಅಕ್ರಮವಾಗಿ ವಕ್ಫ್ ಬೋರ್ಡ್ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಬಳಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಕೊಡಗು ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ವತಿಯಿಂದ ಏರ್ಪಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದ “ನಮ್ಮ ಭೂಮಿ-ನಮ್ಮ ಹಕ್ಕು” ಬೃಹತ್ ಜನಾಂದೋಲನದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.
ಮಾಜಿ ಶಾಸಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಬೋಪಯ್ಯ ರವರು, ಶ್ರೀ ಅಪ್ಪಚ್ಚು ರಂಜನ್ ರವರು, pic.twitter.com/P9rGTOvsbb— Prathap Simha (@mepratap) November 22, 2024
Simha went on to highlight the difference between the promises made by the Congress and the ground reality. “When the Congress came to power, they promised a lot of things, including 10 kg of rice, unemployment benefits for youth, and free electricity. Now, the central government’s Anna Yojana is providing only 5 kg of rice, and the promised monetary compensation for rice is nowhere to be found. What happened to their promises of 3,000 rupees for unemployed youth?” he questioned.
Addressing the issue of Waqf properties, Pratap Simha raised alarm over the increasing reports of agricultural lands being listed as Waqf properties. “In Vijayapura, thousands of acres of land have been wrongly listed as Waqf properties,” he said. He further alleged that the Congress government, under Siddaramaiah’s leadership, had been involved in promoting cases against Hindus while prioritizing the protection of minority interests. “Siddaramaiah’s government has allowed the transfer of Hindu lands and has been creating difficulties for Hindu communities,” he claimed.
Simha also criticised Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s statement about the Waqf properties, questioning the minister’s connection to India and its people. “What connection do you and your religion have with India? You came here seeking refuge, and yet you have no background in our land or culture. Your community has no religious unity either. But when it comes to religion, everyone comes together. Similarly, Hindus must unite,” he said, urging Hindus to stand together in solidarity.
The protests are gaining momentum across the state, with BJP leaders rallying against what they perceive as an infringement on the rights of local landowners and farmers. The party is calling for the immediate revocation of the Waqf Board notifications and has vowed to continue its fight until the issue is addressed.
R Ashok Demands abolition of Waqf Board
BJP leader and former minister R Ashok has called for the immediate dismantling of the Waqf Board and the removal of Waqf claims from farmers’ lands. He voiced his strong objections during a protest held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, organized by the opposition party in response to the growing controversy surrounding Waqf properties in the state.
Ashok, addressing the gathering, accused the Congress of using the Waqf Board to encroach on land that rightfully belongs to farmers. “The Waqf Board has even taken control of the campus where Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the legendary engineer, studied in ChikkaBallapura. The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre had granted judicial powers to the Waqf Board, and now they are using this authority to swallow up farmers’ land,” he said.
He further criticised the Congress for its alleged agenda of creating “mini Pakistan” in states under its control. “In states ruled by Congress, they claim ownership over important landmarks such as Vidhana Soudha and Lalbagh. It’s a dangerous trend,” Ashok added.
Referring to the encroachment of land by the Waqf Board, Ashok spoke about a two-acre piece of land belonging to the Bowring Hospital, which was also taken by the board. “When I was a minister, I had to intervene and fight to save the land, as the Waqf Board was trying to claim it using outdated documents,” he said. He also highlighted the impact of the Waqf Board’s actions on poor farmers, who are now desperately checking their land records in fear of losing their property.
Ashok also took a swipe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of being more focused on championing the interests of the Muslim community than on the welfare of the general population. He claimed that under Siddaramaiah’s leadership, issues such as “Love Jihad” and “Land Jihad” were being exacerbated, and now a new “Ration Card Jihad” had started. “A 45-year-old woman, who had been receiving a ration card for the past 45 years, has suddenly lost it. The government has asked her to reapply. It’s clear that the Congress government is making things difficult for the people,” Ashok said.
The BJP leader also criticised the state government’s handling of essential services, mentioning the shortage of medicines at the government-run Jaynagar Hospital. “There is no medicine in the hospital, and every service has had its fees increased. CM Siddaramaiah has imposed taxes on everything – even on fresh air and flowing rivers. Soon, they might impose taxes on the air we breathe,” he quipped.
' ವಕ್ಫ್ ಬೋರ್ಡ್ ಲ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಜಿಹಾದ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಬೃಹತ್ ಆಂದೋಲನ '
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ರೈತರ, ಬಡವರ, ಮಠ – ಮಂದಿರಗಳ ಜಮೀನುಗಳನ್ನು ಅಕ್ರಮವಾಗಿ ವಕ್ಫ್ ಬೋರ್ಡ್ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಬಳಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವುದನ್ನು ವಿರೋಧಿಸಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದಲ್ಲಿ 'ನಮ್ಮ ಭೂಮಿ-ನಮ್ಮ ಹಕ್ಕು' ಬೃಹತ್ ಜನಾಂದೋಲನ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು.
ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸಚಿವರಾದ… pic.twitter.com/8mmgOXBI1G
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) November 22, 2024
Referring to Siddaramaiah’s policies, Ashok mocked the Chief Minister’s image as a “protector of the poor.” He accused him of mismanaging resources and taking actions that hurt the common people, such as increasing milk and alcohol prices, stamp duty, and taxes on food and medicine. “Siddaramaiah has earned the nickname ‘Kannarammaiah’ due to all these burdens he has imposed on the people,” he added.
Ashok concluded by expressing confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would step in to resolve the crisis, ensuring that crucial lands like those belonging to Visvesvaraya’s school, the farmers, and other public properties are protected. “Modiji will come as a ‘Superman’ to bring amendments and restore control over these issues. Until then, we cannot say how long Siddaramaiah will remain in power,” Ashok said, signaling the BJP’s resolve to keep up the pressure on the state government.
