Protests by farmers opposing the classification of certain plots as Waqf land in Vijayapura district have spread to other areas of Karnataka, with several groups threatening to escalate their efforts if the notices are not rescinded promptly.
Demonstrations began in Dharwad on Wednesday and in Vijayapura on Monday, and have now extended to Kalaburagi, including the hometown of Minister Priyank Kharge, where over 45 farmers in Chincholi Taluk received Waqf notices.
In Dharwad, groups such as the Sri Ram Sena and Bharat Kisan Sangh rallied in front of the Tahsildar’s office, demanding the removal of Waqf designations from the land records of farmers in Uppinabetageri village. Vivek More, taluk convener of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, stated, “The name ‘Waqf’ has been entered in the pahani of our inherited property due to negligence by the authorities. If this mistake isn’t corrected, we will launch a fierce struggle.”
He further alleged that there is an attempt to seize farmers’ land under the guise of Waqf, claiming, “This is a betrayal of farmers.”
Notices issued by the Vijayapura tahsildar from October 20 to 25 instructed over 120 farmers to submit their land records to prove ownership. In Sindagi town, 1.28 acres belonging to the Virakta Mutt were designated as Waqf board property under “Kabarsthan” (burial ground) in 2018-2019.
In response to the protests, the Karnataka government announced on Monday that the notices would be withdrawn. State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil acknowledged the error and stated that an investigation would be conducted to determine how it occurred.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reassured farmers that no one would be evicted from their land, affirming, “If notices are issued, they will be withdrawn.”
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused the opposition BJP of politicizing the issue and confirmed that instructions have already been given to the revenue department regarding the notices.
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has also weighed in, expressing his concerns in a letter to Jagdambika Pal, chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Surya highlighted the challenges faced by affected farmers in Vijayapura and other regions, urging that proper legal procedures be followed in Waqf property designations.
In a post on X, Surya remarked, “Notices have been issued, and records such as RTCs and Pahanis have been modified to include Waqf designations without proper legal procedures. I have requested that affected farmers meet with the committee to share their experiences, providing critical insights into these land encroachment issues.”
