Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has claimed the state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is marking Hindu temple properties and agricultural lands as Waqf Board property, sparking backlash across communities. Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka announced a large-scale protest on November 4 to challenge what he describes as “encroachment” by the Waqf Board and the ruling government.
“Temple properties in Kolar and lands in districts like Vijayapura, Nagamangala, Channapatna, and Belagavi are being marked as Waqf properties,” Ashoka said. “This is not just land grabbers—this is the government itself seizing these lands,” he alleged, calling on farmers’ organizations to join the protest.
Ashoka claimed, “In the past, Muslim rulers imposed their religion by force; Tipu Sultan forcibly converted people in Kodagu, and now, we’re witnessing similar land grabs.” He further alleged that such actions have the backing of the Chief Minister.
In response to Siddaramaiah’s recent remarks that BJP fails to see issues through to a “logical conclusion,” Ashoka retorted, “We protested, and cases were filed against the Chief Minister. The Lokayukta and ED are investigating, even his close supporters are under probe.”
The BJP leader also voiced support for farmers resisting these changes and accused the state government of avoiding accountability. “The Chief Minister doesn’t have the courage to jail officials issuing these notices to farmers,” he claimed, adding, “This government runs things like the Tughlaq era.”
Ashoka went on to criticize the state’s welfare schemes, particularly the guarantee schemes, calling them a “flop.” He referred to remarks by Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar, claiming women have reportedly said they don’t need the schemes. “It’s like a thief’s excuse,” Ashoka said, suggesting that the government is backtracking on its promises.
Further criticism targeted the government’s alleged financial mismanagement, particularly the transport department’s debt crisis. “The transport department is in financial loss, and the government owes crores to it,” he said, adding that the state is now restricting ration cards and setting conditions that undermine its promises.
The BJP’s November 4 protest is expected to focus on alleged land seizures, government accountability, and the efficacy of state welfare initiatives, setting the stage for a heated political face-off in Karnataka.
