Bidar (Karnataka) [India]: The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged protests on Wednesday in multiple locations, including Kalaburagi, Bidar, and Ramnagar, opposing notices issued to farmers by the Waqf Board.
BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan criticized the Congress-led state government, calling for the withdrawal of the 1974 Waqf Gazette and the correction of land records in farmers’ names. “We want to send a clear message to the Congress government that they need to protect the interests of innocent farmers. This fight will continue until justice is provided,” he told ANI.
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra also voiced concerns, alleging that the Congress government was behind the notices. “The Waqf issue has become a very serious matter in Karnataka. Thousands of farmers are receiving notices from the Waqf Board, instigated by the Congress government. Farmers are upset and have taken to the streets,” Vijayendra said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the issue, and an amendment bill was under consideration. However, he accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government of rushing to issue notices and seize land for the Waqf Board.
The controversy centers on alleged encroachments and land mutations linked to the Waqf Board. BJP leaders have demanded the removal of the term “Waqf Board” from government land records and a halt to notices affecting farmers.
In response, the Karnataka Government’s Revenue Department issued a directive on November 9, cautioning officials against issuing eviction notices or altering land records under the Waqf Act. The directive instructed all Regional and District Commissioners to revoke existing notices, cease mutation orders, and halt ongoing mutation processes.
Despite these measures, BJP leaders staged protests as part of their ongoing campaign to defend farmers’ rights and press for further action on the issue.