Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 9 (UNI) The Karnataka Assembly's winter session opened with uproar on Monday as the opposition BJP demanded an immediate discussion on the Waqf issue.
Tensions flared when BJP leader R Ashoka accused the government of converting Basavanna’s temples into Waqf properties.
Despite Speaker UT Khader's attempt to move forward with the unveiling of a painting of the Anubhava Mantapa, Congress and BJP clashed over the issue. The BJP members accused the government of stifling protests and opposing Basavanna's principles.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, backed by other BJP MLAs, insisted on an immediate discussion on the Waqf issue, referencing their adjournment notice.
Ashoka stated, "You are discussing Anubhava Mantapa, while numerous temples of Basavanna have been turned into Waqf property." His call for urgent deliberation was quickly met with objections from Congress members, leading to chaos in the House.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda hit back, asserting that the Waqf land issues had primarily emerged during BJP rule. He accused the opposition of trying to politicise the issue, stating, "They want to do politics and waste the time of the House."
Minister Sharan Prakash Patil further fuelled the fire, criticising the BJP and RSS for opposing the principles of Basavanna, which only intensified the BJP's demand for the discussion.
As the debate heated up, Ashoka pleaded, "At least allow me to make a preliminary submission based on my adjournment notice." The atmosphere grew even more charged when BJP MLAs, led by Basangouda Patil Yatnal, accused the Belagavi district administration of restricting the Panchamasali Lingayat community's planned protest.
They questioned, "Can no one raise their voice against this government?"
The BJP members shouted, "This is a Hitler government," leading to a standoff between the ruling Congress and opposition benches. Amid the heated exchanges, the Speaker adjourned the House for lunch. UNI BDN SSP