Karnataka Minister Defends Waqf Land Handling Amid BJP Criticism

Karnataka's Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Affairs, BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, contends BJP's focus on the Waqf land claim controversy arises due to impending elections in Maharashtra. Khan stresses his ministerial role is for all communities, while initiatives reassure affected farmers of their land rights.

Facing criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the ongoing Waqf land claim controversy, Karnataka's Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Affairs, BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, asserted on Wednesday that the opposition party is using this incident as a political tool ahead of upcoming elections in Maharashtra.

Khan, addressing the controversy, maintained that his ministerial duties encompass all communities, not only the Muslim community. He highlighted his sustained efforts over the past nine months in conducting Waqf Adalat sessions. Supporting Khan's view, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of politicising the matter, having issued similar notices during their governance.

To alleviate concerns, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that no farmers would face eviction from their lands, with directives given to halt any wrongful land notifications. Meanwhile, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has approached the Joint Parliamentary Committee, seeking justice for farmers allegedly affected by the land claims in Karnataka.

(With inputs from agencies.)