The Karnataka BJP on Wednesday accused the Waqf board of “misusing crores worth of lands”, and demanded that the board be abolished. The saffron party also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the ₹2.3 lakh crore “scandal”.
Raising the issue in the assembly, BJP legislator from Udupi Raghupathi Bhat demanded a probe into a 125-page and 13-volume report submitted to the then state government in 2012 by former state minorities commission chairman and joint spokesperson of the state unit of the BJP Anwar Manippady.
Sri Rama Sene founder Pramod Muthalik had also announced initiating a campaign for a ban on the Karnataka Waqf Board. While speaking to reporters, Muthalik alleged that the Waqf board is dangerous and the Union government should disperse it. “If the Centre is not taking any steps, we will initiate a ‘Ban Waqf Board,’ campaign,” he said.
According to the 2012 report, “Out of the 54,000 acres that come under the Waqf board with a value at ₹2.3 lakh crore, 29,000 acres has been misused or encroached upon by individuals, particularly by some prominent Muslim leaders”.
BJP legislator from Vijayapura Basanagouda Patil (Yatnal) claimed that the Waqf board has misused crores worth of lands and the same should be probed. “When you (government) can bring all Hindu religious establishments under the government, (why has) Waqf remained in the hands of a few people… It does not benefit ordinary Muslims and the board should be removed across the country. The CBI should probe this.”
Bhat said the issue has been heard by the courts, the cabinet and even the Lokayukta since the report was given to the government in 2012, but no action has been taken against the culprits.
Congress leader UT Kader stated that “the BJP was showing concern for minorities even though they do not speak about other pressing issues. The report was tabled over two years ago. When did we say that it should not be discussed? But why did you bring it now?” he questioned adding that the saffron party is trying to deflect attention away from the 40% commission scandal.
The Congress has been pressurizing the BJP-led state government over allegations that it demands about 40% commission to provide any public services, award tenders and other kickbacks.
CM Basavaraj Bommai said, “We are taking the evidenceless 40% commission issue up for discussion in which you (Congress) have moved an adjournment motion. All this Waqf land is government land and over the years, it has been encroached upon and is a bigger corruption (scandal) than this (40% commission).
Karnataka’s minister for law, parliamentary affairs and minor irrigation JC Madhuswamy stated the government will study the report and then make a decision. “There is no question of the government backing out from this,” he said.
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Rabia Shireen is a Staff Reporter at The Cognate.
