The Karnataka BJP has intensified its opposition to the Congress government’s Waqf policy, accusing it of treating Hindus as “second-grade citizens” in the state. Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, strongly criticized the policy on Wednesday during a media interaction at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, following a walkout over the issue in the Assembly session.
Ashoka vowed to continue the fight against the alleged favoritism in Waqf land acquisition policies both inside and outside the Assembly. He argued that withdrawing Waqf-related notices is insufficient, describing it as a mere “deceptive tactic” by the Congress government. “We have informed the Chief Minister that unless the 1974 gazette notification is withdrawn, there will be no resolution. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has refused to act, stating that he supports Muslims,” Ashoka said.
The 1974 gazette notification, which recognized certain Waqf properties, has become a point of contention, with BJP leaders claiming it disadvantages Hindus and farmers. Ashoka accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of neglecting the plight of farmers and prioritizing electoral victories over governance. “Farmers are suffering, yet the Chief Minister speaks only about winning three elections,” Ashoka stated, adding, “During our tenure, the BJP won 18 by-elections. Does that mean we celebrated every victory? This arrogant government is displacing farmers.”
Challenging Siddaramaiah’s claim that the Waqf Board owns only 21,000 acres of land, Ashoka alleged discrepancies, citing Waqf Board documents that suggest 84,000 acres are under dispute. “If the land is under dispute, it belongs to the Waqf Board. The Chief Minister must clarify,” he demanded, urging people to verify the board’s website.
Ashoka further accused the Congress government of supporting “land jihad,” alleging that it is enabling the Waqf Board to claim properties arbitrarily. Referring to Muneshwara Nagar in Mysuru, he claimed that 110 families are being evicted from land allegedly declared as Waqf property. “How can a building with a 110-year-old history suddenly belong to the Waqf Board? Even land associated with M. Visvesvaraya is being claimed,” he questioned.
He labeled the Waqf Board as a “fraudulent entity” that is unjustly seizing land from Karnataka’s farmers and Hindus. Highlighting the BJP’s stance, Ashoka said the party’s walkout demonstrated solidarity with the farmers, promising to hold the Congress government accountable for its actions. The BJP has vowed to escalate its campaign against the Waqf policy, calling it discriminatory and harmful to the state’s majority community.
