U-turn: BBMP says it doesn’t own Eidgah

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

The Eidgah Maidan controversy took a new turn on Wednesday when the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) announced that it does not own the property.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath on Wednesday said that the Eidgah Maidan located in Chamarajpet is not owned by the BBMP. He also said that BBMP does not have any authority to respond to the submissions seeking permission to celebrate Independence Day in the ground.

“As per the Supreme Court order which has been brought to the notice of the BBMP by the Wakf Board, the property is not under BBMP ownership,” Girinath clarified. When the survey was conducted in the city limits no one came forward to claim the ownership of Idgah Maidan. Hence the property had come under the possession of the BBMP, he said.

The Wakf Board can submit an application regarding ownership and after verification of documents, necessary action would be taken, he said. Welcoming the statement, Maulana Shafi Saadi, Chairperson of Karnataka State Wakf Board, said the board has already submitted an application for Khata to claim ownership.

“We will build a compound wall around the Eidgah Maidan after obtaining permission from the BBMP,” he said. He further stated that there is no objection to playing in the premises and holding Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.

A Hindu outfit on Wednesday slammed the statement by BBMP Chief and alleged that Tushar Girinath has made a “deal” with Muslims. Meanwhile, considering the sensitivity of the issue, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that he will hold talks with BBMP commissioner and get details.

Hindu activists have been demanding that the BBMP should take possession of the maidan. They alleged that the Supreme Court order was manufactured by presenting false witnesses and documents. They have submitted applications to BBMP to allow them to celebrate Hindu festivals along with national events.