Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Nov 5: In a fiery protest led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday evening, MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi sharply criticised the Congress-led state government for allegedly targeting farmers and religious institutions by registering their lands as Waqf property.

The protest, held in Kundapura, was a direct response to the government’s recent move to include farmers’ lands, as well as temple and mutt properties, under the Waqf Board.

Kodgi accused the state government of promoting an agenda that favoured one community over others, claiming that the government’s actions were intentionally designed to dispossess farmers and religious bodies of their land.

He specifically pointed out that the Congress, under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed, was hastily registering lands as Waqf, often without proper verification.

“This is a deliberate attempt to target farmers and religious institutions,” Kodgi said. “If we don’t protest now, similar incidents could occur across the district, and even in other parts of the state,” he added. Kodgi urged the public to check their land records and stay alert.

The MLA also warned that protests would continue statewide until the government revoked the 1974 Gazette notification that led to this registration. “This is a fight for our land and our rights. We will not rest until the notification is annulled,” he declared.

BJP leaders, including Baikadi Suprasad Shetty, also condemned the state’s actions, calling it a clear example of Congress’s attempt to appease certain sections while ignoring the welfare of the common people. "The state government’s actions are nothing short of an insult to farmers and religious institutions," Shetty remarked.

The protest, which saw participation from party workers, local leaders, and citizens, also highlighted growing frustration with the Congress government's alleged mismanagement. “For over a year, the Congress-led administration has been embroiled in scandals and corruption, failing to release funds for development,” Kodgi added.

The protest was attended by several BJP leaders, including former Mandal president Shankar Ankudakatte, Mandal president Suresh Shetty Gopadi, who proposed the motion at the protest and other local representatives. The protest saw active participation several local officials as well. Among those who attended were party general secretaries Sudheer K S and Satish Poojari Wakwadi, Kundapura Municipal Council president Mohanadas Shenoi, vice-president Vanitha Billava, municipal members, BJP Kundapura Mandal office-bearers, party morcha leaders, and dedicated party workers.

The event concluded with a call for action, urging everyone to unite and ensure the protection of their land rights.