The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest on Friday against the state government, raising objections over the alleged encroachment of farmers’ lands by the Waqf Board and accusing the Congress-led government of adopting anti-poor policies.
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra led the charge, accusing the Congress government of implementing measures detrimental to economically weaker sections.
“Every decision taken by the Karnataka government is anti-poor. The recent 20% hike in charges at government hospitals and medical colleges shows the Congress government’s desperation to raise funds for its guarantees,” said Vijayendra. He demanded the withdrawal of such decisions, calling them burdensome for the common people.
On the issue of Below Poverty Line (BPL) card cancellations, Vijayendra emphasized the need for a “scientific approach.”
“The government is planning to cancel 20 lakh BPL cards, claiming they are misused. Just because someone has a PAN card doesn’t mean they are rich. Before cancelling these cards, the government must adopt a scientific approach,” he added.
BJP leader C.T. Ravi criticized the Congress for alleged financial mismanagement, saying, “Congress can build a Congress Bhavan worth Rs. 1,000 crores if it wants. Yet, they claim a lack of funds. Crores of rupees have been recovered from the homes of Congress leaders. Despite this, the Congress government has taken away 14 lakh ration cards, hurting the poor further.”
The protest also highlighted concerns over the Waqf Board’s alleged land encroachments. BJP leaders demanded the removal of the term “Waqf Board” from government records, claiming it is being misused to occupy lands belonging to farmers.
Former Minister B.C. Patil, BJP Haveri district president Arunkumar Pujar, and former MLA Virupakshappa Bellary were among those who led the protests. Activists accused the government of neglecting the issue and called for immediate action.
The protestors, who had gathered to voice their demands, were later detained by the police.
The BJP leaders have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government to address their concerns and ensure that policies prioritize the welfare of marginalized communities. The ongoing protests signal a growing confrontation between the opposition and the Congress government over governance issues and resource allocation.
