Karnataka Winter Session Opens with Waqf Debate and Lingayat Protests
Belagavi: The winter session of the Karnataka Legislature commenced at Suvarna Soudha, Belagavi, on Monday with debates on the Waqf issue and restrictions imposed on the Panchamasali Lingayat protest.
Newly elected MLAs Annapoorna Tukaram (Sandur), CP Yogeshwar (Channapatna), and Pathan Yasir Ahmed Khan (Shiggaon) were sworn in. The session began with a moment of silence to honor former legislators and notable figures, including former minister Manohar Tahasildar, KH Srinivas, industrialist Ratan Tata, and Sufi saint Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini.
Speaker UT Khader introduced the newly installed Speaker's chair, modeled after Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha, featuring Karnataka’s historical symbols like the Gandabherunda and lion carvings. He was addressing the significance of a painting of Anubhava Mantapa newly installed at the Soudha when Opposition Leader R. Ashoka raised the Waqf issue.
Ashoka criticized the government, alleging that temples were being brought under the Waqf Board.
"You speak of Basavanna’s values, but Basavanna’s temples are being taken by the Waqf Board,” he said.
Supported by BJP leaders Aravind Bellad, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, and others, he argued that neglecting the issue would be unjust to farmers affected by notices. Speaker Khader assured that all issues would be addressed after Question Hour.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda affirmed the government's readiness for discussion.
Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil countered the BJP, asserting, “Those who oppose Basavanna’s principles now speak about him. Will the RSS display Basavanna’s photo in their office? They will not because RSS and BJP stand against his ideals.”
The debate intensified as BJP MLA Aravind Bellad alleged inaction on Anubhava Mantapa, saying, “The (original) Anubhava Mantapa has been turned into a dargah. Why is the government silent?”
Speaker Khader appealed for order, emphasizing that structured debates would benefit the public.
Meanwhile Yatnal and BJP leaders protested restrictions on the Panchamasali Lingayat protest, alleging suppression of democratic rights.
"Why are democratic protests being suppressed? What emergency exists in Belagavi?” Ashoka questioned.
When the house met in the afternoon Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that the government respects the right to protest and restrictions were limited to vehicle movements due to anticipated logistical disruptions.
