The mahant’s remarks have raised serious concerns among Muslims and secular groups
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — A fresh storm has erupted over remarks by Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swami, the seer of the Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamstana Math in Karnataka, who has called for stripping Muslims of their voting rights. The mahant made the contentious remarks during a protest rally organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
The development comes as speculations mount about the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the ongoing parliamentary session, triggering fierce rhetoric over Waqf properties.
During his address, Swami proposed radical measures, stating, “A law should be brought in which the Muslim community does not have the right to vote. Leaders make decisions to appease them for votes. If we remove this right, everyone can live peacefully.” Drawing parallels with Pakistan, he added, “In Pakistan, minorities do not have voting rights. Similarly, if Muslims in India are disenfranchised, they will remain limited to their own concerns.”
Such statements have raised serious concerns among Muslims and secular groups, who see this rhetoric as an attempt to marginalise their community. Critics argue that Hindutva leaders are escalating communal tensions under the guise of supporting farmers’ causes.
The protest rally was ostensibly organised to address grievances by farmers who claim their lands have been wrongly designated as Waqf properties. Swami appealed for unity among non-Muslim communities, asserting that the Waqf Board’s powers pose a threat to farmers’ land rights.
“Farmers are the food providers and must be protected. It is a huge injustice to allow the Waqf Board to claim anyone’s land. This is not dharma; snatching someone else’s property is against religion,” Swami declared, urging for a collective fight against what he termed “injustice” by the Waqf Board.
The controversy in Karnataka stems from allegations that large tracts of agricultural land have been marked as Waqf properties. Farmers’ groups, backed by right-wing organisations, have demanded the revocation of these claims, accusing the Waqf Board of overreach.
Muslim leaders and organisations have strongly condemned Swami’s remarks, labelling them divisive and unconstitutional. “Such statements are an attack on the democratic fabric of India,” said Mohammad Yusuf, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
“The Waqf Board exists to protect properties dedicated to religious and charitable purposes. Any land dispute should be resolved legally, not through hate-filled rhetoric,” he said.
Similarly, social activist Asma Khan argued, “Farmers’ concerns must be addressed without vilifying an entire community. This is a dangerous attempt to polarise society.”
The Waqf Board, an Islamic trust established to manage properties dedicated to religious and community welfare, has faced criticism for its governance in some cases. While detractors allege that it unfairly claims private lands, its defenders stress that such accusations are exaggerated and politically motivated.
In Karnataka, these disputes have taken on a communal tone, with Hindutva groups portraying the Waqf Board as a tool of “Islamic domination.” However, legal experts point out that the Waqf Board operates under stringent guidelines, with its powers subject to judicial review.
Observers worry that the escalating rhetoric around the Waqf Board is symptomatic of broader communal polarisation. Karnataka, which has seen a rise in Hindutva-led campaigns in recent years, risks deepening divisions between communities.
Muslim organisations have called on the government to safeguard their constitutional rights and ensure that any disputes involving Waqf properties are settled through proper legal channels.
Amidst this growing controversy, voices advocating for harmony and justice have emerged. Political analyst Farhan Khan remarked, “The focus should be on resolving land disputes fairly rather than stoking communal tensions. Leaders must act responsibly to preserve India’s pluralistic ethos.”
“Targeting Muslims or any other community undermines the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution. All citizens, regardless of faith, deserve equal rights and protections,” he said.
As the debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill continues, many fear that such inflammatory rhetoric could lead to further alienation of Muslims and erosion of India’s secular fabric. For now, the focus remains on whether the government will address these issues through dialogue and legal processes or allow divisive narratives to dictate the discourse.
