Karnataka Assembly witnesses noisy scenes over Waqf issue

NT Correspondent

Belagavi

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly here on Monday witnessed noisy scenes on the first day of the winter session over Waqf issue with the opposition BJP demanding immediate discussion on it. After the obituary reference, when Speaker U T Khader wanted to make a mention of the unveiling a large painting of the 'Anubhava Mantapa', at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka along with few BJP MLAs demanded that discussion on Waqf issue, based on their adjournment notice be taken up first. Anubhava Mantapa is a 12th century spiritual centre in Basavakalyan led by social reformer Basavanna and others, where discussions on contemporary social and political issues took place.

Ashoka said, "You are talking about Anubhava Mantapa here, while several temples of Basavanna have all become Waqf property." As BJP leaders tried to raise the issue, despite the Speaker stating that he would allow them to raise it later, the ruling Congress members objected to it, resulting in chaos. "Waqf land issues have mostly happened during the BJP rule, we will bring out things," Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said. He said the opposition BJP don't want discussion. They want to do politics and waste the time of the House. The government was ready for discussion when the Chair allows. Minister Sharan Praksah Patil said the BJP and RSS are opponents of the 12th century social reformer Basavanna and his principles. This angered BJP members, and they vehemently pushed for discussion on the Waqf issue. "At least allow me to make a preliminary submission based on my adjournment notice," Ashoka said.

There have been allegations by a section of farmers from Vijayapura district that their lands were marked as Waqf properties. Similar charges have surfaced from a few other places subsequently, and also by some organisations and religious institutions like Maths. With the row escalating, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently directed officials that all notices issued to farmers be immediately revoked, and any unauthorised amendments in land records without due notice must also be nullified.

However, BJP has been holding state wide protests targeting the government on the issue. The Speaker said the government is ready for discussion on the Waqf issue and he would allow it after the question hour, citing rules.