Belagavi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the government is prepared to form a committee led by a retired judge to address issues related to Waqf properties.
Speaking during the legislative session at the Belagavi Suvarna Soudha, Siddaramaiah responded to concerns raised by opposition leaders under Rule 69 regarding Waqf properties.
He said that the state government has provided clear answers to all the questions and disputes raised by the opposition questions.
Siddaramaiah reassured that lands granted under the Inams Abolition Act and Land Reforms Act would not be reclaimed by the government. “The protection of burial grounds, dargahs, and mosques located on Waqf lands is the government’s responsibility,” he affirmed.
Providing an overview of Waqf properties in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah stated that the state has 1.28 lakh acres of Waqf land, of which 47,263 acres have been granted under the Inam Abolition Act, 23,623 acres under the Land Reforms Act, and 3,000 acres have been utilized for public purposes. Approximately 17,969 acres of Waqf land are encroached upon by private individuals. The Supreme Court has directed the removal of these encroachments to protect Waqf properties.
"Once a property is registered as Waqf land, it remains Waqf property forever. If the opposition remains dissatisfied with the government’s clarifications, we are ready to form a committee headed by a retired judge to investigate the matter. There is no issue of prestige here," Siddaramaiah clarified.
Siddaramaiah highlighted that the Waqf Act was enacted by the central government in 1954, and state governments lack the authority to amend it. He pointed out that Karnataka was governed by BJP-led governments from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2019 to 2023, while the BJP has been in power at the center since 2014.
"Despite this, no amendments were made to the Waqf Act during those periods, and yet they now seek to create controversies," Siddaramaiah remarked.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the BJP in the center, in its manifesto, promised to consult Muslim religious leaders and ensure the protection of Waqf properties by removing encroachments.
