BJP protests Waqf land notices, accuses Congress of hurting farmers in Karnataka

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) escalated its protests against the Congress-led Karnataka government on Friday, holding agitations across the state over the controversial Waqf land claim issue. Demonstrations under the slogan “Namma Bhoomi Namma Hakku” (Our Land, Our Right) were staged in Bengaluru, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Shivamogga, Udupi and other districts.
In Bengaluru, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka spearheaded the protests, joined by party leaders including MLC CT Ravi and MP PC Mohan.
Over the past few months, farmers in multiple districts across Karnataka came forward alleging that their lands were incorrectly marked as Waqf properties, prompting widespread outrage. Religious institutions such as Mutts also raised concerns over such land classification.
In response to the backlash, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently instructed officials to revoke all notices issued to farmers and nullify unauthorised changes in land records. However, the BJP accused the Congress government of mishandling the issue and targeting poor farmers.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra took a sharp dig at the government, alleging that controversial notices were issued at Siddaramaiah’s behest. Vijayendra said, “In the name of Waqf, poor farmers should not be cheated, and their land should not be taken away.”
The BJP leader also criticised the Congress administration for suspending central schemes, freezing constituency development funds, and implementing policies that allegedly harm the poor, including increases in milk prices, fuel costs, stamp duty, and government hospital fees.
Vijayendra accused the government of failing to fulfil its poll guarantees while halting development across all 224 constituencies. “No MLAs are receiving grants for local projects. Development has come to a standstill,” he claimed.
He further pointed to public discontent over the cancellation of 12 lakh BPL cards, calling the move “unscientific” and alleging that cards were revoked solely based on PAN card ownership, affecting genuine beneficiaries.
The BJP has announced plans for senior leaders to tour Karnataka in December to rally support against the government’s alleged mishandling of the Waqf land issue. Vijayendra expressed confidence in BJP’s prospects in upcoming elections, predicting wins in Sandur and Shiggaon while voicing support for JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Channapatna.