Karnataka Assembly Passes Resolution Against Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill Amid BJP Walkout

Bengaluru, March 19: The Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, triggering a heated debate and a walkout by the opposition BJP.

The resolution was moved by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, who accused the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of acting “unilaterally and arbitrarily” while reviewing amendments to the Waqf Act. He claimed that the committee ignored the views of opposition members and stakeholders, including the Karnataka State Waqf Board, before recommending changes.

Patil argued that the proposed amendments infringe on the state government’s executive and legislative powers and violate constitutional principles of equity and equality. “The bill curtails the rights of state governments and stakeholders. It must be withdrawn immediately,” he stated.

The resolution, passed by the ruling Congress government, urged the Centre to withdraw the bill, citing concerns that it goes against the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

BJP Protests, Calls It “Appeasement Politics”

BJP legislators vehemently opposed the resolution, calling it an act of “Muslim appeasement.” A BJP MLA alleged that the Congress government was “favouring Pakistan” and ignoring the interests of farmers whose land records were reportedly altered in favor of the Waqf Board.

Opposition leader R Ashoka accused the Congress of protecting Waqf properties at the cost of farmers’ land rights. “This government has turned a blind eye to the plight of farmers. Instead of addressing their concerns, they are indulging in appeasement politics,” he said before leading a BJP walkout.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in Parliament by the central government, has sparked controversy, with multiple state governments and stakeholders raising objections. The Karnataka government’s resolution adds to the growing resistance against the proposed changes.

As the bill moves forward for discussion in Parliament, political tensions are expected to escalate between the state and central governments over the contentious amendments.