Wakf Hatavo, Desh Bachavo: BJP’s Bold Protest in Belagavi

Today Belagavi witnessed a significant protest organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party under the slogan Wakf Hatavo, Desh Bachavo. The demonstration addressed concerns over the Karnataka State Waqf Board’s alleged encroachment on agricultural lands and properties owned by farmers.

The protest began with a floral tribute to the statue of Kittur Rani Chennamma, followed by a pooja at the Ganesh Mandir. Participants then embarked on a padyatra to Mahatma Gandhi Bhavan, where grievances from those affected by the Waqf Board’s actions were collected.

Prominent BJP leaders, including Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi,Pratap Simha and Kiran Jadav led the protest. 

They criticized the state government’s handling of the Waqf Board’s land claims and demanded immediate action to protect the rights of landowners.

Addressing the gathering, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stated, The Waqf Board’s arbitrary claims are causing distress among farmers and religious institutions. We demand the government to intervene and safeguard the rights of our people.

This protest is part of a series of statewide agitations by the BJP against the Waqf Board’s actions. Earlier, BJP state president BY Vijayendra had announced district-level protests and the formation of teams to assist affected individuals. 

The issue has sparked widespread concern, with allegations that the Waqf Board is issuing notices and causing distress among farmers and other landowners.  The BJP has been vocal in demanding the cancellation of mutation entries made in land records without proper notice and is offering legal aid to affected farmers.

The Karnataka government has faced criticism over its handling of the situation. In response to the backlash, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently instructed officials to revoke all notices issued to farmers and nullify unauthorized changes in land records.

The Wakf Hatavo, Desh Bachavo protest in Belagavi underscores the escalating tensions surrounding land ownership and the role of the Waqf Board in Karnataka. 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.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on the state government’s next steps in addressing the concerns raised by the protesters and ensuring justice for the affected landowners.