Karnataka: Political Row Erupts Over Tejasvi Surya's Allegations Against Waqf Board, DK Shivakumar Responds

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s alleged that notices were sent to farmers declaring their lands as Waqf property "without any evidence or explanation."

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s recent allegations against the Karnataka State Waqf Board have sparked a heated political debate, with leaders from both the Congress and BJP making strong statements. Tejasvi Surya, the Bengaluru South MP, claimed on Friday that the Waqf Board had staked its claim over 1,500 acres of ancestral farmland in Honvada village, located in Vijayapura district’s Tikota Taluk. Surya alleged that notices were sent to farmers declaring their lands as Waqf property "without any evidence or explanation."

Reacting to the allegations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasised a balanced approach to governance, stating, "We are appeasing the Constitution and all sections. The country has to be united." 

Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao took a stronger stance against Surya, accusing him of fearmongering. "Tejasvi Surya always likes to create fear. He thrives on all this," Rao said. Addressing the concerns raised about the land notices, he explained that the government issues them based on records and that there is no intent to seize anyone’s property. He assured that genuine farmers would have their rights restored, while Waqf lands would remain with the Waqf. "Nobody’s rights are curtailed or withdrawn," he affirmed, reiterating the state’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and land reforms.

On the BJP side, Dr CN Ashwath Narayan criticised the Waqf law, describing it as "questionable, draconian, and one-sided." He accused the Congress-led state government of attempting to misuse Waqf powers to legalize disputed properties. "We need to come out of this as the government of India is drafting a new Waqf bill, which is more comprehensive, constitutional, and inclusive," Ashwath Narayan asserted.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy weighed in, addressing both Surya’s comments and the state’s stance. He pointed to an "arrogant reply" from a Karnataka minister indicating that Waqf acquisitions would not be rolled back, indicating that the central government is attentive to such issues under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.