BJP leaders protested against the state government
Karnataka: Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representatives protested against the state government amid the continuing controversy surrounding the Waqf Board land problem. They expressed worry over the Waqf Board’s alleged encroachments and demanded that the title “Waqf Board” be removed from official documents.
Along with other BJP officials and activists, the demonstration was attended by former MLA Virupakshappa Bellary, former Minister BC Patil, and BJP Haveri district president Arunkumar Pujar.
Later, the police arrested the protesters.
The slogan ‘Our Land, Our Right’ was used to organize protests in front of Tahsildar and Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices around the state.
Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy spoke on the state-wide demonstration, saying, “Our leaders are organizing a state-wide protest for three days (November 21, 22, and 23) all throughout Karnataka to demand that the Waqf Board be removed from official records. Since the Waqf Board is taking over farmers’ land, it ought to be abolished. That’s a bad move.
The Karnataka Government’s Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department had earlier directed all Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners to address the Waqf issue in the midst of the controversy.
Officials who falsify land mutation records or send farmers eviction letters under the Waqf Act risk disciplinary punishment, the letter says. The directive, which was issued on November 9, instructs officials to stop current mutation operations, annul any land mutation orders that authorities may have issued, and retract any notifications sent to farmers.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee’s (JPC) report on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is complete and will be delivered to the House on schedule, according to a statement made by JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal on Thursday.
The Parliament House Annexe hosted a JPC meeting on Thursday. “This is not the last meeting,” Pal told the journalists. Members’ comments will be taken into consideration for the proposed amendment if their questions are addressed, and a consensus will be reached. The committee will turn in our report on schedule; it is ready.”
By the conclusion of the first week of the Winter Session of Parliament, which is set to take place from November 25 to December 20, the JPC is anticipated to provide its report on the measure to the House.
A larger national initiative to amend the Waqf Act and guarantee that waqf holdings be used for the greater good of society includes the work of the JPC.
