The ongoing political scuffle in Karnataka over alleged property documentation errors involving the Waqf Board has created a storm of confusion and accusations between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP. At the centre of this controversy is a piece of land in Honawad, Vijayapura district, which the Congress claims as Waqf property, while the BJP asserts it belongs to local farmers.
Background of the Controversy
The dispute originated from a government record that identified approximately 1,200 acres in Honawad as Waqf property. In response, BJP leaders, including MP Tejasvi Surya, have argued that this land rightfully belongs to farmers in Tikota taluk and have accused the Congress-led government of unlawfully transferring these properties to the Waqf Board.
The confusion intensified after a protest was staged by farmers fearing that their lands would be unjustly appropriated. In light of the uproar, Industries Minister MB Patil held a press conference on October 26, stating that only 11 acres were officially designated as Waqf property, which includes a burial ground, an Idgah, and a mosque.
The Gazetted Error Explained
Minister Patil clarified that the root cause of the confusion lay in a 1974 gazette notification that incorrectly categorised certain land as Waqf property. This error was reportedly rectified in a subsequent gazette published in 1977, which removed the designation. However, according to Patil, the name Honawad had been mistakenly added in parentheses after “Mahalbagayata” in the gazette, leading to misinterpretation.
Patil indicated that the Waqf Board’s records indeed confirm the existence of Waqf property in Mahalbagayata, but the mix-up concerning Honawad has resulted in unnecessary panic among farmers. He assured that, following consultations with local officials, corrective actions would be taken to ensure accurate documentation.
Responses from Opposition Leaders
Despite these clarifications, BJP leaders have not backed down. Tejasvi Surya accused the Congress of secretly expediting claims on thousands of acres of farmland without notifying the farmers. He referenced new evidence suggesting changes in the Mutation Register that allegedly contradicted Patil’s assurances. Surya’s claims have fueled further allegations that the Congress is mismanaging the issue.
BJP Karnataka president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of a “relentless appeasement policy” that endangers farmers’ rights and enables unwarranted claims from the Waqf Board.
Clarifications from District Officials
In light of the escalating controversy, District Commissioner T Bhoobalan reiterated that no private land has been transferred to the Waqf Board in Honawad. He explained that the process for updating property records follows a standard verification procedure, and proper notices were issued to landowners during the update of Waqf properties. Bhoobalan emphasised that property owners should not worry about losing their rights, as no new transfers had been made in the past month.
Moreover, he clarified that the total Waqf property in Honawad is limited to around 11 acres, and no notices of property transfer had been issued to farmers or property owners, contradicting the claims made by the BJP.
The Political Fallout
The issue has ignited a broader debate about the role of the Waqf Board and the handling of land records in Karnataka. BJP leaders allege that the Congress is engaging in underhanded tactics to appropriate agricultural land under the guise of Waqf claims, accusing them of neglecting the interests of farmers.
In contrast, the Congress party has positioned itself as the defender of farmers’ rights, seeking to reassure them that their land will not be taken away without due process. Minister Patil’s attempts to clarify the situation and assure farmers have been met with skepticism from the BJP, who maintain that the government is not being transparent about its actions.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns of farmers and rectify the documentation errors that have led to this heated debate.
In the meantime, local farmers and stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that protects their rights and clarifies the status of their lands.
