Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday maintained that the state government’s decision a few days ago to withdraw notifications issued by the Wakf Board to farmers demanding ownership of their land was not taken because it feared the BJP would stage protests across the state.

He also added that this is not a new problem and the BJP had issued notices in 216 cases during its rule in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi on Monday, he said: “As far as the Waqf issue is concerned, the BJP is playing politics even after we made it clear that the notifications have been withdrawn. The withdrawal of notifications to farmers is not due to the BJP’s protest. “As soon as we learned about the issue, we decided to withdraw the notifications.”

Siddaramaiah added: “BJP had issued notifications regarding 216 cases during its rule in the state. Why did they issue notifications? The foundation notifications were issued during the tenures of former CMs BS Yediyurappa, DV Sadananda Gowda, Jagadish Shettar and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy.”

CM Siddaramaiah also stated that the BJP leaders do not fight on issues but make false allegations and hold protests for political reasons.

“Where is the issue of the foundation fight? Former CM Basavaraj Bommai had earlier stated that every inch of the encroached Wakf properties would be taken back and why is he speaking differently now? Bommai’s U-turn is only for political reasons.

“BJP is struggling to gain political ground and people have understood this. The issue of foundation ownership is not a new issue. Notifications were also given to farmers during their (BJP) tenure and subsequent governments also issued notifications,” CM Siddaramaiah reiterated.

“After meeting Ministers HK Patil and Krishna Byre Gowda, I made it clear that the notifications issued by the Foundation board should be withdrawn. CM Siddaramaiah said, “Instructions have also been given to cancel the changes made in the land records.”

CM Siddaramaiah said, “Farmers should not be displaced for any reason, whether they belong to Hindu, Muslim or Christian faiths.”

While talking about former BJP MP Pratap Simha talking about CM Siddaramaiah becoming a Muslim outside Sunnat (circumcision), he said, “Pratap Simha is a communal person. He has no respect for the constitution and democracy. “He is trying to survive in politics by pursuing a divisive agenda and gaining votes.”

When asked about criticisms of zero development, CM Siddaramaiah said: “Are we really discussing development and not ensuring development policies? We made 165 promises during my previous CM term. 158 of these have been fulfilled. Isn’t it progress?

“Of the 3.71 billion Rupees in the state budget, 52,000 billion Rupees is spent on guarantees and 60,000 billion Rupees is spent on development programs. This money is spent on irrigation, disabled people, rural development, road construction and bridge construction. Aren’t these developments? What do you mean other than development?” CM Siddaramaiah questioned.