Karnataka: BJP slams opposition parties for "looting" waqf properties

The BJP spokesperson expressed hope that Karnataka and other states will now investigate the brazen exploitation of waqf properties across the country by vested interests.

New Delhi: Targeting opposition parties for "looting" the waqf land meant for poor Muslims of Karnataka, BJP cited a Karnataka Minorities Commission report, saying waqf land was misused by "secular" politicians and parties.

BJP spokesperson Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the commission has pointed out in its report that over 29,000 acres of waqf land in Karnataka were "surreptitiously and illegally" transferred for commercial use.

He also said the report was prepared in 2012, but was tabled in the state assembly eight years and two "secular" governments later in September this year.

"It is only now that eight years and two secular chief ministers later that this report, that is both damning and explosive, reveals the extent of the loot and exploitation of the assets and resources meant for poor Muslims. It is an indictment with facts and evidence of many so called secular politicians and Karnataka Wakf Board," he said.

The BJP spokesperson expressed the hope that Karnataka and other states will now investigate the brazen exploitation of waqf properties across the country by vested interests.

The waqf board in Karnataka held 54,000 acres of land of which 29,000 acres were "illegally" used for commercial purposes, Chandrasekhar said, citing the report.

It is losing around Rs 100 crore due to this, he claimed.

The BJP leader named Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and C M Ibrahim as among the alleged beneficiaries of the irregularities.

While the BJP seeks progress for every Indian, the so-called secular politicians have a long history of exploiting those they claim to protect, Chandrasekhar said.

Citing a 1998 judgment of the Supreme Court, he noted that properties bequeathed to waqf are unique and as they cannot be taken away from its ownership.

It is said that "once a waqf always a waqf", the BJP spokesperson added.

(with inputs from agencies)