Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashok has criticized the Karnataka government for its support of the Waqf Board, alleging that the state government is backing Muslim interests for political gain. Ashok’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the Waqf Board’s role in acquiring land and properties, including temples and farmers’ land.
Speaking to the media, Ashok highlighted the issue of land acquisition by the Waqf Board, claiming that it has been a long-standing problem in the state. “We discussed Waqf issues for two days. Because all our temples and farmers’ land is acquired by the Waqf Board. Many schools of government schools from the last 60-70 years have also been declared as Waqf boards,” he said, expressing concern about the encroachment on public and religious land by the Waqf Board.
Ashok accused the Karnataka government of supporting the Muslim community for electoral purposes, suggesting that the ruling party’s stance was driven by a desire to secure Muslim votes. “The Karnataka government is supporting Muslims because of the vote,” he asserted, accusing the government of indulging in “vote bank politics” at the expense of broader public interests.
The issue of Waqf properties has been contentious in Karnataka, with allegations of land misuse and the controversial involvement of Waqf authorities in land acquisitions. The central government’s proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, aimed at bringing greater transparency to the management of Waqf properties, has been met with resistance from the Karnataka government, which has passed resolutions opposing any changes to the Waqf Board.
Ashok’s comments reflect the growing tensions between the BJP and the Congress-led Karnataka government, particularly regarding issues of land rights and religious properties. As the debate over Waqf properties intensifies, it is likely to remain a key issue in the state’s political discourse ahead of the 2026 Karnataka elections.
