Soft Hindutva or Betrayal? Congress Faces Heat Over Waqf Property Decisions
Karnataka Muslim Political Forum Condemns Khata Conversions on Waqf Properties
In a strongly worded statement, the Karnataka Muslim Political Forum (KMPF), through its Secretary Afzaal Mahmood, has condemned the Karnataka government's recent move to allow khata conversions of Waqf properties. The conversions reportedly include transferring ownership from the Waqf Board to temples, graveyards (Rudrabhoomis), and schools, as well as to farmers occupying these lands. This decision has sparked outrage among the Muslim community and raised concerns about the sanctity of Waqf properties.
"This is not a fight for land alone—it is a fight for justice, equality, and respect for the community's rights," Afzaal Mehmood
Afzaal Mahmood described the government's action as "a betrayal of the Muslim community" and accused the Congress party of failing to uphold its secular values. "On one hand, Congress opposes the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, and on the other, it supports encroachments on Waqf lands by legitimizing such conversions. This is not just hypocrisy but a clear case of backstabbing the community," he stated.
Violation of Laws and Constitutional Safeguards
Citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991, Mahmood emphasized that all places of worship built before 1947, whether temples, mosques, gurudwaras, or churches, are protected under the law. He criticized the Karnataka government's actions as legitimizing encroachments on Waqf properties, calling it "completely unacceptable and a violation of legal principles."
He urged affected individuals to exercise their constitutional right to challenge these conversions in court. "The duty of the government is to uphold the law, not to succumb to political pressures created by the BJP. By taking such steps, the Congress government is playing a dangerous game of soft Hindutva, which the Muslim community must recognize and resist," Mahmood added.
Revenue Minister’s Statements and Data
Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda provided several justifications for the conversions, citing specific cases and data.
- He stated that in Vijayapura’s Padgaonkar, the Someshwar Temple occupies 2 acres of Waqf land, while the Sir M. Visvesvaraya School in Chikkaballapur, declared Waqf property by the BJP, spans 17 acres and has now been renamed under the school’s name.
- Similarly, the Biradevara Temple in Aland was designated as Waqf property in 2020 but has now been renamed under temple ownership.
Byregowda highlighted historical land reallocations that have reduced Waqf holdings over the years. Out of 1.10 lakh acres of Waqf land in Karnataka:
- 47,263 acres were lost due to the Inam Abolition Act.
- 23,620 acres were removed under the Land Reform Act.
- 3,101 acres were acquired for public purposes.
He stated that only 20,054 acres remain under Waqf Board control, with over 17,000 acres encroached upon, 85% of which are by private Muslim individuals. Since 2004, the government has issued 9,400 properties as Waqf, with 9,124 belonging to Muslims and only 280 to Hindus.
Call to Action
Afzaal Mahmood lamented the silence of Muslim intellectuals on this issue, urging the community to awaken to what he described as Congress's betrayal. “This is a wake-up call for the Muslim community. It is time to take a stand, fight for justice, and challenge this in courts,” he said.
Mahmood concluded with a strong message: “The government’s responsibility is to protect the Waqf properties for the welfare of the community, not to compromise under political pressures. We will not remain silent in the face of such injustice.”
Waqf Land Encroachments: Karnataka Govt Accused of Violating Legal Safeguards
Very correct statement... thumbs up
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