In a series of protests held across Karnataka on Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its campaign against alleged encroachments by the Waqf Board on temple land, farmers' lands, cremation grounds, and properties owned by Dalits. The demonstrations, staged under the banner ‘Namma Bhoomi Namma Hakku’ (Our Land, Our Right), targeted the Congress-led state government and demanded the revocation of rights granted to the Waqf Board.

C.T. Ravi Demands Action Against Waqf Board

Speaking at a protest in Kalaburagi, senior BJP leader C.T. Ravi stated:
“Our only issue is to remove the Waqf Board. All rights granted to it shall be revoked. We are agitating against its claims over temple land, farmers' lands, cremation grounds, and Dalit properties. This issue will be raised in Parliament.”

Protests Across Karnataka

BJP workers, joined by seers and farmers, staged protests in multiple districts, including Kalaburagi, Ballari, Haveri, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Udupi. The party’s key demands included:

1. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation for allegedly failing to address the issue.
2. Withdrawal of the 1974 gazette notification that allegedly enables the Waqf Board to claim private and public lands.

Backdrop of the Protests

The protests follow allegations from farmers and religious institutions that the Karnataka Waqf Board has claimed their lands as Waqf properties. Reports indicate that over 500 petitions have been filed by farmers in northern Karnataka, including Vijayapura, Hubballi, and Belagavi, alleging encroachments.

Earlier this month, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, visited affected areas. Farmers and representatives of various organizations shared grievances about their lands being marked as Waqf properties.

Historic Monuments in Dispute

There are also allegations that the Waqf Board has laid claim to at least 53 historic monuments under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Addressing these claims, Jagdambika Pal questioned, "How is it a Waqf property?"

BJP Accuses Congress of Political Motivations

A BJP functionary alleged that the state government’s recent withdrawal of notices to farmers regarding Waqf property claims was politically motivated, citing upcoming elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka.

Implications of the Protests

The BJP has vowed to escalate the issue at the state and national levels, framing it as a fight for land rights and justice for affected farmers and communities. With tensions rising, the matter has become a flashpoint in Karnataka's political landscape, potentially influencing the state's political discourse and upcoming elections.