Fri Dec 13 16:13:24 UTC 2024: **Karnataka Legislature Sees Heated Debate Over Waqf Property Encroachments**

Belagavi, Karnataka – December 13, 2024 – The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed a fiery debate on Friday over the contentious issue of waqf property encroachments, with the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP trading accusations. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge leveled a serious allegation against BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, claiming he offered a ₹150 crore bribe to former Karnataka State Minorities Commission chairman Anwar Manippady to suppress information about waqf property encroachments that occurred during B.S. Yediyurappa’s tenure as Chief Minister. Mr. Kharge cited media reports from July 2022 to support his claim.

The BJP responded defensively. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad stated he was unaware of Mr. Manippady’s current party affiliation and accused Mr. Kharge of deflecting attention from the core issue. Further accusations were exchanged, with Mr. Kharge referencing past accusations against Mr. Vijayendra, prompting several BJP members to object to the discussion in his absence.

The debate also saw participation from Vijayapura legislator Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal, who described the waqf Act as a “dark legislation” and called for its scrapping. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok countered Congress’ accusations by highlighting amendments to the Act in 1995 and 2013 under Congress rule, arguing these amendments contributed to the current problems. He cited government statistics indicating 47,470 waqf properties in Karnataka, covering 1.11 lakh acres, with 84,000 acres currently in dispute. The Congress members countered, stating that actions to remove encroachments were taken according to a 2016 Model Act introduced by the BJP government at the Centre. The clash culminated in a heated exchange regarding a statement by waqf board member N.K. Muhammad Shafi Sa-adi, claiming that government buildings were waqf properties. The accusations and counter-accusations dominated the day’s proceedings, leaving the issue unresolved.

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