Karnataka: BJP Slams Congress Government's Rs 32 Crore Grant For Waqf Board Properties Amid Severe Drought In The State

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has raised objections to the decision of the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to allocate nearly Rs 32 crore for the maintenance of Waqf Board properties.

As reported by India Today, the government has released Rs 3,184.50 lakh for the construction of compounds and protection of 416 Waqf properties across the state.

Taking to social media on Tuesday (13 February), the BJP said, “Mr Siddaramaiah, your love for Kannada language is just a farce. The intention behind the big drama of tax agitation is to ensure the development of one particular community".

“Like the saying, ‘Nero fiddled while Rome burned’, Karnataka’s Nero is all set to build compound walls of Kabristhans even as the people are reeling under severe drought", it said.

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Expressing discontent, BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal criticised the government's move, stating, "Instead of extending assistance to drought-stricken farmers, the state government appears focused on building compounds to safeguard Waqf properties....Why the urgency to protect Waqf properties amidst the state's challenges? This seems nothing but a ploy of appeasement politics."

In response to BJP's allegations, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad accused the opposition party of adding a "communal angle" to the government's decision.

Arshad questioned the BJP's stance, asking, "Why is the BJP reducing our state's share in central taxes? The same BJP, which talks about communalism, lacks the courage to question the central leadership regarding the diminished share of taxes allocated to Kannadigas."

Highlighting the nature of Waqf properties, Arshad stated that, "Waqf is a semi-government property. The funds being utilised are part of the overall budget, similar to allocations made for other government departments."

It's important to note that the order in this regard was released by the Congress government on 7 February.

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