“Issue is almost over…”: Karnataka Minister G Parmeshwara defends govt on Waqf Land controversy

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 30 (ANI): Amid the alleged Waqf land grab controversy in Karnataka, state Home Minister G Parmeshwara on Wednesday stated that the department responsible for waqf properties may have issued notices, adding that the issue is almost over.

“The concerned department which is handling the Waqf properties, would have given the notice, I don’t deny that. The CM has clarified that we have withdrawn the notices which were served to anybody for that matter,” Parmeshwara told reporters in Bengaluru.

He emphasized that no further actions will be taken until the matter is clarified or verified, indicating that the issue is nearing resolution.

“So there ends the matter. Until and unless it is clarified or verified, no further steps will be taken. I think the issue is almost over,” he added.

Political tensions between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka are soaring amidst allegations that the Waqf Board’s name was added to property records without notification.

The BJP alleged that Waqf’s name was added to land records for 44 properties across Indi and Chadachan taluks in Vijayapura district without due notice, following a meeting between Khan and district officials. Many farmers, unaware of the sudden Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops (RTC) mutations, expressed concern over losing ancestral land.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister MB Patil added that a task force led by the District Commissioner has been formed to investigate the matter, with instructions to cross-reference Waqf and revenue records from 1964 to 1973 for accuracy.

“We do not want any land owned by farmers. I am also the son of a farmer. Our goal is simply to update Waqf land records. Only 11 acres in Honavada are Waqf property, contrary to claims of 1,200 acres. Beyond these 11 acres, the rest belongs to the farmers,” said Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that no farmer would be evicted from their land.

“No farmers will be evicted from their lands and if notices are issued to them, they will be withdrawn,” he said.

In a joint presser, the three Karnataka ministers emphasised that legitimate landowners need not fear losing their land. Minister Gowda informed that Vijayapura district had 14,201.32 acres designated as Waqf land.