Waqf Issue: The Karnataka government has warned of strict action against officials making changes in land ownership records and sending notices to farmers to vacate land under the Waqf Act. Revenue Department Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar Kataria wrote a letter to all the regional commissioners and deputy commissioners, saying that as per the instructions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, orders given earlier by any government authority have been withdrawn. Besides, the notices sent to farmers under this have also been cancelled.
Farmers in Vijayapura district of North Karnataka had alleged that they were issued notices to vacate their land by the Waqf Board. After this, similar complaints started coming from other parts of the state also. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tejasvi Surya also alleged that Karnataka's Waqf Minister had ordered officials to register the lands in favor of the Waqf Board. It is being told that this order was going to create controversy and confusion.
No action will be taken against farmers – Siddaramaiah
On November 7, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clearly told the officials that any step taken in favor of the Waqf Board should be withdrawn and no action should be taken against the farmers. He also said that disciplinary action will be taken against the officers who have violated the rules in this case.
Opposition parties demanded CBI investigation
The opposition party has demanded a CBI inquiry into the Waqf Board case of Karnataka. On November 7, Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament, Jagadambika Pal visited Karnataka and met farmers. The farmers alleged that their properties were marked as Waqf property without any proper process.
