Bengaluru: While the three major parties have stepped up campaigning for the Nov 13 bypolls to Channapatna, Sandur, and Shiggaon assembly seats, the contentious waqf land issue has ignited a heated debate on whether the controversy — which revolves around notices issued by the govt to farmers, designating their lands as waqf properties — will influence results.
The notices drew sharp criticism from farmer groups and the opposition BJP-JD(S) was quick to capitalise on the issue, launching a scathing attack on the govt. BJP has accused Congress of usurping properties of Hindus and handing it to the Waqf Board. Both parties are hoping it will help consolidate Hindu votes, especially in Sandur and Shiggaon constituencies in north Karnataka, where agrarian concerns are paramount.
"Farmers work hard on their land, and now they are being told that it does not belong to them. This is a betrayal of their trust," said R Ashoka, opposition leader, emphasising that BJP intends to keep this issue in the spotlight.
Ashoka's MLC colleague N Ravikumar said: "The issue is certain to weigh on minds of citizens when they go out to vote. If not in a big way, it has the potential to shift 2% to 3% of votes, which is enough to tilt the tide."
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, opposition leader in the legislative council, concurred saying: "It is being said that many Congress MLAs expressed their displeasure to chief minister Siddaramaiah over waqf minister Zameer Ahmed Khan's conduct in the matter. Some even reportedly sought his removal from the cabinet. It shows Congress is worried about the impact of the issue. People are also wondering why such issues crop up when Congress is at the helm. I am confident they will express their anger through the ballot in the bypolls."
To douse negative sentiments, chief minister Siddaramaiah directed officials to withdraw the notices, stressing the party's commitment to respecting the rights of landowners. Some political observers suggest that land being a sensitive issue, the controversy, if it gains momentum, could shape voter sentiment, potentially affecting Congress' chances in the bypolls.
"The govt should have been careful of the timing before issuing notices. As it is, BJP is trying to paint Congress as an anti-Hindu party. At such a time, giving it an issue to attack you with is politically not a wise move," an observer said.
But Congress brushed aside the arguments, saying the moment the govt learnt about the notices, it stopped issuance of further notices, while withdrawing notices that were already sent. "The CM has also clarified that no land of farmers will be touched. I am confident people will acknowledge our sincerity and support Congress in the bypolls," said Saleem Ahmed, former KPCC working president.