Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed all deputy commissioners to withdraw any notices or letters to farmers under the Waqf Act. The Waqf Board has reportedly claimed that certain lands were registered in its name 50 years ago. However, Parameshwara clarified that the Waqf and revenue records must align for any claims to be valid; otherwise, revenue records will take precedence. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accused the BJP of initiating the issuance of notices and altering the Records of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops (RTC) under the Waqf Act.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a strict directive for the immediate retraction of all notices sent to farmers about Waqf land, emphasising that no disruption should be caused to them," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) read. The statement noted Siddaramaiah’s dissatisfaction with recent actions by certain officials and highlighted concerns that the JD(S) and BJP were allegedly using the Waqf issue for political gains, potentially disrupting peace in the state.
“Siddaramaiah has urged the public to ignore any misinformation and directed officials to handle the matter with sensitivity,” it added. The statement also emphasised that all notices issued to farmers regarding land records tied to Waqf properties must be promptly withdrawn. Officials were instructed to avoid harassing farmers or causing any issues related to lands under their possession.
The CM further directed that any unauthorised changes made to land records (Pahani or RTC) without prior notice or legal procedures should be immediately nullified. The meeting was attended by Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and senior government officials. However, Minority Welfare and Waqf Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan was not present.
G Parameshwara also stated that the revenue records would be treated as final, and administrative actions would align with them.The matter is now resolved, though we are uncertain about possible developments in the future,” Parameshwara told reporters. ”The BJP began issuing notices and changing revenue records under the Waqf Act. We will not allow any farmer to be evicted from their land. If any officer acts otherwise, we will take corrective action,” Shivakumar told media in Mangaluru.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday alleged that BJP was raking up the "Waqf issue" with an eye on the upcoming assembly by-polls in the state and elections in neighboring Maharashtra. Following allegations by a section of farmers in certain parts of the state that their lands were marked as Waqf properties, he reiterated that none of them will be evicted, and notices issued to them will be withdrawn.
"BJP is doing politics. Notices were issued during their (BJP) tenure too, what do they have to say about it? During BJP's tenure over 200 notices were given. One should not practice such dual politics," Siddaramaiah said. A section of farmers from Vijayapura district have alleged that their lands were marked as Waqf properties, and similar allegations have surfaced from a few other places.
The controversy over eviction notices has led to protests by farmers, including demonstrations by Honwad villagers in Vijayapura district. In Haveri district’s Kadkol village, villagers allegedly resorted to violence in response to an administrative order to reclaim Waqf property held by various residents.
*With Inputs from Agencies
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
