BBMP vs Wakf Board on Chamrajpet Eidgah Maidan: 'Controversy' explained

Hameed Ashraf | NT
Bengaluru:

As the Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) is fast approaching on July 10, the dispute over the ownership of the Chamrajpet Eidgah Maidan has spread confusion among the public in the city.

When did it all start?
A tug of war between Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Karnataka State Wakf Board started in the first week of June after the BBMP stated that the 2.5 acre Eidgah Maidan was listed as BBMP property in some records.

What led to the controversy?
The statement led to a controversy among the public and the government bodies during which several Hindu organisations asked the Maidan to be made accessible for events such as Independence Day, International Yoga Day, Ganesha Festival, and others.
However, later it was revealed that some documents from the Supreme Court order were missing and Central Muslim Association (CMA), presented through tapal the Gazette Notification documents from 1965.

BBMP offers proposal
The BBMP said anyone willing to use the property for any other purpose can send a proposal to them. Right-wing activists welcomed the clarification from the BBMP and asked the playground to hoist the national flag on Independence Day. Later the BBMP decided to install CCTV cameras around Eidgah Maidan.

'BBMP defeated at all courts'
Following this, the BBMP served notice to the Wakf Board asking them to submit the property documents. "The BBMP has been defeated in the Lower Court, High Court and Supreme Court earlier. Why should we submit documents on our property to the opposite party?” Shafi Saadi, the Chairman of the Wakf Board had said. The BBMP then stated that it has been decided that no events including Yoga Day, will take place on the Eidgah Maidan.

Lastly, what's the latest from BBMP?
On June 21, the BBMP took a U-turn from its stand and announced that it does not own the property. Welcoming the statement, the Wakf Board Chairman stated that there is no objection to playing in the premises and holding IDay and Republic Day celebrations.

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Civic body issues guidelines for Bakrid prayers

In the latest development, BBMP has set several guidelines for the prayers at the Eidgah Maidan on Eid ul Azha.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has instructed to ensure that the prayers do not disrupt the traffic flow and that cleanliness be maintained on the Eidgah premises. Praying on the main roads, blocking the traffic, will not be accepted, he said.

He stressed that namaz can be performed at Chamrajpet Idgah Maidan as there is a clear decision from the Supreme Court regarding the issue and like every year, permission for the prayer will be granted this time too.

The BBMP also stated that there must be no slaughtering of cow, camel, buffalo following the new piece of legislation which has been enacted by the Bengaluru DC.