Udupi District BJP protests against state govt over Waqf Board's alleged 'land jihad'

Manipal: The Udupi District BJP held a protest march against the Karnataka State Government, accusing it of enabling “land jihad” through the Waqf Board. District BJP President Kishore Kumar Kundapura led the march, which began at the Upendra Pai Circle (also known as Coin Circle) and concluded at the District Commissioner’s Office, where they submitted a memorandum to DC Dr. K. Vidyakumari, addressed to the Governor.

Kishore Kumar Kundapura alleged that not only farmers’ lands but also public and government properties may have been transferred to the Waqf Board under the support of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He demanded that Minister Zameer Khan resign immediately and that the Chief Minister issue an apology to the public. He also urged the government to issue a gazette notification banning the Waqf adalat (court) and called for Karnataka’s endorsement of the Waqf Amendment Bill proposed by the Central Government.

MLA Yashpal A. Suvarna also addressed the gathering, stating that the Congress government is indirectly supporting “land jihad,” which, according to him, is causing major concerns among Hindu communities. He warned that if Hindus do not unite in this cause, they may face further challenges in the future.

Suvarna accused the Congress government of betraying Hindus, claiming that it came to power with Hindu votes but was now failing to protect their interests.

Spokesperson Satish Shetty Mutlupady also condemned the actions of the state government and the Waqf Board.

Following the protest, BJP leaders and workers attempted to encircle the District Commissioner’s Office in a symbolic protest, but police intervened to stop the demonstration. The protestors, including BJP leaders and supporters, chanted slogans against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister Zameer Khan, and the Congress government.

Prominent attendees included District General Secretary Dinakar Shetty Herga, Reshma Uday Shetty, Municipality President Prabhakar Poojary, and other influential figures such as Shilpa Suvarna, Sandhya Ramesh, Vijay Kumar Udyavara, Prithviraj Shetty Billadi, Srish Nayak Pernankila, Rajesh Kaveri, Dinesh Amin, Rajeev Kulal, Nalini Pradeep Rao, Vijay Kodavoor, Geetanjali Suvarna, Srinidhi Hegde, Satyanand Nayak, Shivakumar Ambalpadi, along with leaders and members from various BJP Mandals.