Bengaluru- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued its statewide protests in Karnataka for the second consecutive day on Friday, condemning the state government's alleged attempt to notify farmers' land as Waqf property. BJP leaders and members gathered at Deputy Commissioner's offices across the state, demanding the cancellation of a 1974 Gazette notification related to the matter.

The party has called for the scrapping of the Waqf Board and the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmad Khan. Protests were led by prominent BJP figures, including Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, who gathered with MLAs, MLCs, and MPs at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress government of issuing notices to farmers claiming ownership of their land for the Waqf Board, effectively pushing them onto the streets overnight. He alleged that the government was also attempting to seize temple lands. Vijayendra announced that three BJP teams will travel across the state in December to document the grievances of affected farmers.

In Mysuru, MLA T.S. Srivatsa led the protests, while former MP Pratap Simha led a demonstration in Kodagu with hundreds of party workers and farmers. Former MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, in her first party event since the Lok Sabha elections, led the agitation in Mandya.

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, police took Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik into custody during a protest march to Zameer Ahmad Khan's office. Muthalik and Hindu activists were attempting to besiege the minister's office over the Waqf row. Police intervened, urging Muthalik to submit a memorandum through official channels. He refused and continued his march, leading to his arrest.

(Source- IANS)