Karnataka's Land Dispute Heats Up: Accusations of 'Land Jihad' Intensify

Political tensions in Karnataka escalate as Union Minister Joshi accuses the Congress government of 'land jihad' over alleged Waqf land grabs. Karnataka's CM assures no farmer will be evicted, while a task force investigates property records. Allegations politicized by BJP and Congress raise stakes in the controversy.

Amid mounting controversy in Karnataka's land dispute, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused the state's Congress government of engaging in 'land jihad,' following allegations of Waqf land grabs. Speaking to ANI, Joshi questioned the issuance of notices and expressed concern over property records listing Waqf's name, claiming an agenda to harass the populace.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah countered the allegations, assuring that no farmers would be evicted from their lands, with plans to withdraw any issued notices. His statements come in response to media inquiries about notices sent to farmers in Vijayapura, Yadgir, and Dharwad districts regarding Waqf Board land claims.

The Chief Minister highlighted efforts by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and others to address the matter, asserting political tensions are on the rise. Allegations have surfaced against the BJP, alleging unauthorized inclusion of Waqf's name in land records in specific taluks of Vijayapura district, spurring anxiety among local farmers.

Karnataka Minister MB Patil announced the formation of a task force to investigate these claims, focusing on discrepancies in records from 1964 to 1973. Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan clarified that only 11 acres in Honavada are legitimate Waqf property, condemning BJP claims of land acquisition.

At a joint press conference, Karnataka ministers assured landowners about their holdings, accusing the BJP of exploiting the issue for political gain. Minister Gowda reported that 14,201.32 acres in Vijayapura are designated as Waqf land, reiterating the focus on record accuracy over land acquisition.

(With inputs from agencies.)