Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Announces Committee to Address Waqf Properties Concerns

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed readiness to establish a committee led by a retired judge to investigate the Waqf properties issue. He assured the Karnataka Assembly that temples built on Waqf lands would not be removed. If any notices had been issued, they would be retracted. This assurance came amid questions from the opposition BJP during the ongoing Assembly session.

Waqf Properties and Government Stance

Siddaramaiah clarified that the central government enacted the Wakf Act in 1954, which the state cannot amend. He noted that the BJP, which governed Karnataka from 2008 to 2013 and 2019 to 2023, did not attempt to amend this law. The chief minister accused the BJP of raising unnecessary controversy without considering amendments when they had the opportunity.

The chief minister highlighted that of the total 1.28 lakh acres of Waqf property, 47,263 acres fall under the Inam Cancellation Act and 23,623 acres under the Land Reforms Act. Additionally, 3,000 acres have been used for public purposes. About 17,969 acres have been encroached upon by private individuals, with a Supreme Court order in place to protect these lands.

Opposition's Concerns and Government's Response

During discussions on eviction notices issued by the Waqf Board to farmers and temples, Siddaramaiah reiterated that temples on Waqf properties would not be removed. He assured that any issued notices would be withdrawn. Waqf and Minority Affairs Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan echoed this sentiment, stating that notices given to farmers and temples would be retracted.

BJP legislator Araga Jnanendra demanded that properties listed as Waqf in government records should also be addressed, arguing that merely cancelling notices was insufficient. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka supported this demand, citing instances where families faced hardships due to such notices.

Political Dynamics and Legislative Actions

Siddaramaiah pointed out that despite attempts to communalise the atmosphere in Karnataka, the BJP lost recent bypolls in Channapatna, Sandur, and Shiggaon. He accused the BJP of politicising the Waqf issue and noted internal differences within their ranks. A march led by Vijayapura BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal from Bidar highlighted these divisions.

The chief minister emphasised saving Waqf properties, noting their reduction from 1.10 lakh acres to just 20,000 acres due to legal provisions like the Inam Abolition Act and encroachments. Jnanendra stated that while the BJP supports preserving Waqf properties, they questioned why notices were issued now.

Despite Siddaramaiah's explanations, BJP legislators were dissatisfied with the Congress government's response and staged a walkout from the assembly.