In recent weeks, the Waqf Board's claims over agricultural lands in Karnataka have sparked significant protests, particularly from farmers in districts like Vijayapura, Yadgir, and Dharwad. The controversy emerged when farmers received eviction notices from authorities who stated that the Waqf Board owned the lands they were cultivating. The Board's claims, which affected around 1,500 acres of farmland in these regions, led to widespread unrest and confusion among farmers who feared losing their livelihoods.

The issue stems from a legal provision that allows the Waqf Board to manage land deemed to have religious or charitable significance. However, in this case, many farmers contend that they have been cultivating the land for decades without dispute and that these new claims are unjust. The situation reached a critical point when some officials began to enforce eviction orders.

In response to growing protests and concerns, including interventions from political figures such as BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped in to assure the farmers. He declared that no farmer would be evicted over these land disputes and ordered the immediate withdrawal of the eviction notices. Siddaramaiah also emphasized that the state government would investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure that the interests of farmers were protected, noting that all claims of Waqf Board ownership would be revisited to prevent wrongful land transfers.

The Karnataka government has warned officials of disciplinary action if they proceed with altering land records or enforcing evictions without proper verification of land ownership under the Waqf Act.

This situation has highlighted the tensions between land rights, religious land management, and the state's responsibility to protect its agricultural community. As the government continues to address the issue, the farmers are awaiting further developments, including any legislative changes that might provide clearer guidelines on such disputes.
 

The Congress party in Karnataka has come under sharp criticism for its perceived support of the Waqf Board’s claims over agricultural lands in the state, particularly in districts like Vijayapura, Yadgir, and Dharwad. Farmers, who have been cultivating the land for decades, have protested the Waqf Board’s assertion of ownership over approximately 1,500 acres of land. The controversy intensified when eviction notices were issued to the farmers, sparking widespread unrest. Critics of the Congress allege that the party's proximity to the Waqf Board and its backing of the Board’s legal claims have exacerbated tensions between religious organizations and the farming community.

Congress leaders, including those in Karnataka's state government, have been accused of not doing enough to protect the farmers’ interests. Some argue that the party's support for the Waqf Board, which controls land with religious significance, may be a political move to gain favor with Muslim voters. This has further fuelled the accusations that the Congress is prioritizing political alignment over the livelihoods of farmers.

In response to the rising discontent, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is a member of the Congress party, assured farmers that the eviction notices would be revoked, and the government would not allow unlawful evictions. Despite these assurances, the situation remains tense, and Congress is now facing pressure to ensure that its stance on land ownership is clear and supportive of the agricultural community.

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