Wakf Act is unconstitutional: MP Brijesh Chowta

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 3, 2024: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta alleged that the Wakf Act goes against the Constitution and undermines its principles. He stated that the Act is harmful to the country, instilling fear among farmers and Hindus. According to Chowta, once a property is designated as Wakf property, it cannot be disputed in a regular court and must be contested exclusively in a tribunal.

Speaking at a press conference at the BJP office in the city on Sunday, he said that while the central government is moving to amend the Wakf Act, the Congress-ruled state government has allowed the encroachment of farmers’ land. He stated that in the village of Konawada in Vijayapura, the state government has undertaken the reckless action of declaring 1,200 acres of farmers’ land as Wakf property.

In Mangalore taluk, 37 properties have been notified as Wakf, including government land. An earlier report submitted by Anwar Manipady, former chairperson of the Minority Corporation, indicated that 54,000 acres of land in the state are under Wakf jurisdiction, with 29,000 acres allegedly misappropriated through illegal transactions. Prominent Muslim leaders, including Zameer Ahmed and Roshan Baig, have been accused of involvement in this scandal. Brijesh Chowta has demanded a CBI investigation into the report.

Dakshina Kannada District BJP President Satish Kumpala said that a committee of lawyers has been formed in the district to address the Wakf scandal. He also announced that protests will be held at taluk and district centers on November 7.

MP Brijesh Chowta, responding to a question from journalists, welcomed the state government’s policy to announce a separate tourism policy for the Dakshina Kannada district and expressed support for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in this regard.

BJP treasurer Sanjay Prabhu and media coordinator Vasanth Poojary were present at the press conference.