Vijayapura, Oct 27 (Reporter) Karnataka Minister MB Patil on Sunday addressed growing concerns regarding land ownership in Honawad village, assuring residents that only 11 acres are classified as Wakf property, with the rest confirmed as belonging to local farmers. Taking to X, the Minister explained that an error in the 1974 Gazette mistakenly listed 1,200 acres in Honawad as Wakf property. This was corrected by the Wakf Board in 1977, acknowledging that just 10 acres were allocated for a Kabristan and 24 guntas contained Eidgah and mosque structures. Officials, including the Tahsildar and District Collector, reconfirmed this division to quell any misunderstandings. Patil clarified that Wakf properties in Vijayapura are typically located in Mahal Baghayat, with Honawad mistakenly added to the Gazette. He convened a meeting of officials on October 19 after the matter was brought to his attention by concerned farmers, issuing instructions to prevent further confusion. "I will not allow even an inch of farmers’ land to become Wakf property—no need for unnecessary confusion or concern," stated Patil. He also urged BJP leaders, including Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Tejasvi Surya, to avoid politicising the issue for personal or party gain. The farmers in the area have expressed concerns over alleged encroachment attempts, vowing to take action if necessary. Many are on alert, as some parts of the district have already seen notices, sparking fears of further encroachment despite government assurances. The issue has ignited sharp political reactions, with the BJP accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of siding with the Wakf Board to encroach on farmers’ lands. BJP leaders allege that the Karnataka government's support for the Wakf Board represents a tacit endorsement of land grabs disguised as religious designations. They contend that the Congress party is engaging in appeasement politics to advance its own agenda, claiming the government is pressuring farmers by falsely labelling their lands as Wakf properties. The BJP’s official social media channels targeted Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directly, accusing him of manipulating the situation for political gain. One post on X stated, "Corrupt Siddaramaiah is attempting to rewrite Karnataka’s land records in favour of the Wakf Board for his vote bank, much like he inscribed a MUDA site in his wife’s name. It won’t be long before farmers rise up against this appeasement politics...////...