Waqf Issue: BJP announces ‘Namma Bhoomi, Namma Hakku’ campaign against Congress govt

Bengaluru: The Karnataka BJP has announced a statewide campaign titled ‘Namma Bhoomi, Namma Hakku’ (Our Land, Our Right) to challenge the Congress government over the ongoing Waqf property controversy. The party plans to hold a massive rally in Belagavi during the Legislative Assembly session to intensify the campaign.

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra has formed three teams to investigate and create awareness about the issue. Prominent leaders, including those considered “dissenters,” have been included to project unity within the party. The teams will visit various districts to gather details about lands, including those belonging to farmers and religious institutions, allegedly registered as Waqf properties.

Interestingly, leaders like Basangouda Patil Yatnal, Ramesh Jarkiholi, and Aravind Limbavali, known for their differing views within the party, have been strategically assigned to separate teams. This move aims to convey inclusivity and strengthen the party’s collective efforts, according to sources.

Team Details and Assignments

Team 1 (Vijayendra-led)

• Key Members: B.Y. Vijayendra, Prahlad Joshi, Jagadish Shettar, Murugesh Nirani, Sriramulu, Ramesh Jarkiholi, and others.
• Districts Covered: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Gadag, Vijayapura, and Bagalkote.
• Coordinators: Arun Shahapur, Harish Poonja, Dr. Shailendra Beldale.

Team 2 (R. Ashoka-led)

• Key Members: R. Ashoka, Basavaraj Bommai, Shobha Karandlaje, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, and others.
• Districts Covered: Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga.
• Coordinators: Vinay Bidare, D.S. Arun, Lakshmi Ashwin Gowda.

Team 3 (Chalavadi Narayanaswamy-led)

• Key Members: Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, C.T. Ravi, Nalin Kumar Kateel, Aravind Limbavali, and others.
• Coordinators: V. Sunil Kumar, Ashwathnarayan, Ambika Huli Naykar.

The BJP aims to use the Waqf issue as a critical tool against the Congress, projecting it as a betrayal of farmers’ and religious institutions’ rights. Vijayendra has hinted at organizing large-scale protests similar to the Mysuru Chalo movement.

Schedule Announcement on Saturday

The BJP will hold a press conference on Saturday to announce the travel schedule for the study teams and the format of the protests. Party general secretary Preetham Gowda is expected to provide more details.

Speaking on the campaign, Vijayendra said, “The BJP will always stand with the farmers. This fight is for protecting their rights. We have already formed senior teams to ensure a comprehensive approach to the issue.”