Waqf issue: Is the JD(S) ambivalence guided by electoral compulsions of Channapatna?
The Hindu
BJP and JD(S) clash over Waqf issue in Karnataka ahead of by-elections, highlighting political alliances and minority vote dynamics.
Even though the BJP is looking forward to making political capital out of the Waqf issue gripping Karnataka in the run-up to the November 13 byelections to three Assembly constituencies, its alliance partner Janata Dal (Secular) does not appear to be on the same page with it.
Notwithstanding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s direction to the officials on November 2 to withdraw the notices issued to farmers by the Waqf Board alleging encroachment, the BJP appears set for a State-wide agitation on November 4, accusing the Congress of “appeasing” minorities through the Waqf Board at the cost of farmers.
Also read: Vijayapura Waqf land row: How an error in documentation set off a controversy in Karnataka | Explained
JD (S) leader and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy is of the opinion that the Waqf issue has been brought up to divert public attention from from the “scams” relating to Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation.
Though he blamed the ruling Congress of bringing the Waqf issue to the forefront, the JD (S) leader warned against stoking fire in the “sensitive” and “divisive” matter for the sake of politics.
Even though Mr Kumaraswamy has been adopting a relatively more accommodating approach towards the minorities compared to the BJP after the two parties forged an alliance before the last Lok Sabha elections, the JD (S) leader’s ambivalence on Waqf issue assumes significance in the light of the Muslim vote in Channapatna Assembly constituency from where his son Nikhil is in the fray against Congress party’s C P Yogeshwar in the by-polls.
With its support base of the JD (S) among the Muslims in the State gravitating towards the Congress after the party aligned with the BJP, Mr Kumaraswamy is keen to retain the backing of the community, which appears crucial in the ‘prestige battle’ that the by-polls to Channapatna assembly constituency has turned out to be.
Two killed and 23 injured in a sleeper bus accident in central Delhi; investigation ongoing.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurates the 74th All India Police Football Championship in Hyderabad, emphasizing sports' role in policing.
Visakhapatnam police recover ₹66 lakh in property from 54 arrested in February, solving 62 crime cases.
OPS claims EPS's lost credibility will undermine AIADMK's election manifesto, as DMK promises have proven reliable and effective.
Explore Modakkurichi's agrarian challenges, development gaps, and tourism potential as it gears up for the upcoming elections.
The Govindapura police have successfully traced an 84-year-old man suffering from dementia who had gone missing last month, following a sustained 25-day search operation across the city.
First randomisation of EVMs and VVPATs held in Dindigul, Theni districts
Madras High Court permits Dayanidhi Maran to summon Union Telecom Secretary as witness in illegal telephone exchange case.
President of Mysuru District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission A.K. Naveen Kumari has called upon consumers to check for quality certifications like ISI on products before purchasing them.
Students and women’s self-help groups in Madurai engage in vibrant voter awareness campaigns promoting 100% voting participation.
India pledges 60% non-fossil fuel power by 2035, targeting 47% emissions reduction per GDP unit and enhanced carbon sinks.
Supreme Court rules land acquisition compensation and interest must uphold constitutional guarantees, unaffected by financial burdens.
Election officials accept 23 nominations for Bagalkot bypolls, rejecting three, with polling scheduled for April 9.