The BJP and Congress are in a heated exchange over a claim by the Karnataka State Board of Waqfs regarding farmers’ land in Vijayapura district. Farmers in Honvada village received a letter from the Tehsildar on October 4, informing them that 1,500 acres of their ancestral land was being transferred to the Waqf Board.
The BJP has accused Karnataka Waqf Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan of instructing officials to reassign the farmers’ land in Honvada to the Waqf Board within 15 days. In response, the Congress party stated that no farmers would lose their land.
On Friday, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya met with the farmers in Honvada and criticized the notices they received, which labeled their properties as waqf land without any supporting evidence or explanation.
Farmers in Karnataka Face Land Ownership Dispute
The BJP and Congress parties are currently involved in a serious disagreement over land ownership in Vijayapura district, Karnataka. This conflict began when the Karnataka State Board of Waqfs claimed that it owned some land that belonged to farmers in a village called Honvada.
On October 4, the farmers in Honvada received a letter from the Tehsildar, a local government official, saying that 1,500 acres of their ancestral land was being reassigned to the Waqf Board. This news upset the farmers, as it meant they could lose their homes and farms, which have been in their families for generations.
In response to this situation, the BJP accused the Karnataka Waqf Minister, BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, of telling officials to quickly register the farmers’ lands in Honvada as belonging to the Waqf Board within just 15 days. The BJP claimed that this was unfair to the farmers and that the process was being rushed without proper justification.
The Congress party countered these accusations by stating that no land belonging to farmers would be taken away. They reassured the farmers that their rights to their land would be protected.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya took action by visiting the farmers in Honvada on Friday. He expressed his concern about the notices the farmers received, which declared their lands as waqf property. Surya criticized these notices, saying they were issued without any evidence or explanation. He emphasized that the farmers deserved to know why their land was being treated this way.
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Vijayapura Farmers Face Waqf Property Claims
In recent months, farmers in Vijayapura district have received notices claiming that their lands are now considered waqf property, without any evidence or explanation. This situation is alarming, with nearly 1,500 acres of land in the village of Honavada being affected, according to a BJP leader.
The leader accused BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, the Karnataka Waqf Minister, of instructing the deputy commissioner and revenue officials to register these lands in favor of the Waqf Board within just 15 days. The aim, he alleged, is to bypass reforms introduced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Union Minister and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi highlighted that many poor Muslims are also suffering due to the current provisions of the Waqf Act. He stated, “What’s happening in Vijayapura is unacceptable and is occurring in many other parts of Karnataka. Almost every farmer in Vijayapura has received these notices, which cannot be accepted. Zameer Ahmed Khan is more concerned about his political support than the farmers’ welfare.”
BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal announced plans to challenge the Waqf Board’s decision in court. He tweeted, “Our team will contest this unjust move by the Waqf Board in the Hon’ble High Court by filing a writ petition. I urge the farmers of Vijayapura to send us a copy of any notices they received from the Waqf Board along with supporting documents so our legal team can prepare the necessary paperwork.”
Congress Responds to Land Dispute in Vijayapura
After farmers protested against the Tehsildar’s order regarding their land, Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan stated that the notices were issued because the land is classified as waqf property. He emphasized, “If it is waqf property, we have to issue the notice. We wouldn’t send notices without reason. Whether it involves farmers or anyone else, if it’s waqf property, we must claim it. Let the farmers fight this legally.”
Khan further argued, “Would you stay quiet if someone tried to take over your property? They need to fight this legally.”
In response to BJP MP Tejasvi Surya raising concerns about the farmers, Khan accused the BJP of politicizing the issue. He assured that no one’s land would be taken away, questioning whether it was even possible to do so. He mentioned, “Unnecessary issues are being raised. Yatnal spoke about this last week, and I invited him to the District Collector’s office for a meeting with the farmers, but he did not show up.”
Khan also noted that much of the land held by the Waqf Board in Karnataka has been encroached upon, primarily by Muslims. He criticized the BJP for trying to amend the Waqf Act, claiming that the ongoing disputes were being blown out of proportion. “We care for the farmers, and we cannot take away anyone’s land,” he said.
Cabinet Minister MB Patil also visited the farmers in Honvada village and assured them that their land would not be taken away if they have the appropriate documentation. He stated, “I assured the farmers that not even one inch of their land would go to the Waqf Board.”
Patil announced plans to hold meetings for 10 to 12 days, providing a checklist of the necessary documents. “I’ve also sought legal advice. I want everyone to gather these documents, and then we will make a decision accordingly,” he added.
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FAQs
Q.1. What is the dispute about in Vijayapura?
Ans. The dispute involves claims by the Karnataka State Board of Waqfs over 1,500 acres of land owned by farmers in Honvada village.
Q.2. Who issued the notices claiming land as waqf property?
Ans. Notices were issued by the Tehsildar, informing farmers that their ancestral land is being transferred to the Waqf Board.
Q.3. What did the BJP accuse Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan of?
Ans. The BJP accused him of directing officials to quickly register farmers’ lands as waqf property without proper justification.
Q.4. How has the Congress party responded to the situation?
Ans. The Congress party has reassured farmers that no land will be taken away and that their rights will be protected.
Q.5. What actions are being taken by BJP leaders regarding this issue?
Ans. BJP leaders, including MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal, plan to challenge the Waqf Board’s decision in court to protect farmers’ land rights.
