The issue began to gain momentum when Karnataka Housing and Waqf Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan ordered “Waqf Adalats” to help reclaim the properties that Waqf authorities claimed were infringed upon.
The state of Karnataka has been at the hub of a lot of turmoil of late, as massive agitation arose out of the Waqf land claims. The residents, especially farmers, seem to be very disturbed by these issues, as the land reassignments were handled in a manner that created unnecessary tension across the state.
The main opposition, Bhartiya Janata Party, termed these actions “land jihad” and accused the ruling Congress government of doing appeasement politics. At the same time, the Congress government itself looked to struggling with public backlash and internal disagreements.
The issue gathered momentum after Housing and Waqf Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, known to be a close confidant of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, began a spate of “Waqf Adalats” (courts) in several district headquarters to reclaim properties that Waqf authorities claimed were infringed upon.
Khan’s team sent notices to farmers, religious institutions, and even some respected local monasteries (mutts), drawing widespread ire from the local populace and political colleagues.
Recently, Khan has been saying that these adults were done on direct orders from CM Siddaramaiah. He had targeted reclaiming all the properties that are considered Waqf.
He also made it clear that his efforts were not a formality but dedicated to securing the lands he claimed belonged to the Waqf. Statements like these have confused the public and some government officials. Anger is building as affected farmers and residents face the aftermath of this sudden land claim.
The controversy had erupted over the reported encroachment of some 14,000 acres of land belonging to the Waqf in Vijayapura district, with only 780 acres said to be in the possession of the Waqf. District authorities subsequently issued more than 120 notices to about 400 farmers, and the mutation of properties was effected in the favour of the Waqf board with respect to 44. This drew fast ire from the BJP, which accused the Congress government of attempting to pursue a policy of appeasement at the cost of Hindu farmers.
