Bengaluru (PTI): Accusing the opposition BJP of using the Waqf issue as a "political weapon", Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday warned of strict action against any attempts to disturb peace in the state.

His comments come as BJP plans to intensify its fight against the Congress government over the issue in the days ahead, as the party even constituted three teams, which will visit districts and meet those affected by Waqf notices.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar too has blamed the BJP for trying to "create communal disturbance" on the issue.

"They (BJP) are using it (Waqf issue) as a political weapon. It means, there may be efforts for communal flare ups and disturbing peace. It is our allegation that they might be using their yatra (tour) for it. How things will take shape in the future, we cannot speculate now," Parameshwara told reporters here.

Asked whether the ruling Congress feared that BJP would attempt to create law and order situation and pave the way for President's rule in the state, he said, "it is not possible. The police department has been abely maintaining peace in the state. There might have been few incidents, but by and large we have been successful in maintaining peace."

A section of farmers and others in certain parts of the state have alleged that their lands were marked as Waqf properties.

With the row escalating, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had directed officials to revoke all notices issued to farmers, and any unauthorised amendments in land records without due notice also be nullified.

Reacting to BJP's claims that the Lokayukta probe has proved that the 40 percent commission charge leveled against the previous BJP government by the Congress is completely "false", Parameshwara said he was not aware about the basis of such claims.

Hitting back at the BJP, the Minister said it is wrong to say that Congress came to power only because of the 40 percent commission campaign against the then BJP government, as there were also guarantee schemes among other things.

"It may be BJP's claim that Congress came to power by constantly levelling 40 per cent commission charge against the previous BJP government. The then state contractors' association President Kempanna, who is now no more, had written to the PM alleging corruption and 40 percent commission was being collected, during the BJP government. Based on it, Congress as a party, in the interest of the people, had taken up the issue," he added.

To a question on BJP challenging CM Siddaramaiah to prove his allegation that Rs 50 crore bribe was offered by the party to 50 Congress MLAs to topple the government, Parameshwara said let PM Narendra Modi also prove his allegations that the ruling Congress is collecting upto Rs 700 crore from liquor shop owners in Karnataka for Maharashtra polls.

"...let state BJP leaders ask for evidence from the PM for his allegations, so that they can fight here more strongly. We will give proof later," he added.

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Poonch/Jammu (PTI): Over 26,000 young aspirants participated in a recruitment rally conducted by the army after a gap of five years in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Poonch, officials said on Sunday.

The recruitment rally commenced at Advance Landing Ground in Surankote on November 8 to fill 307 vacancies for soldier general duty and 45 vacancies for clerks and tradesmen in the Territorial Army, they said.

The rally was open to the candidates from 31 Tehsils of Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Jammu districts, for soldier general duty while the candidates from entire Jammu and Kashmir were eligible to apply for clerks and tradesmen positions.

“Over 26,000 enthusiastic candidates across the region took part in the selection process, showcasing their physical and mental readiness to serve the nation during the 10-day rally,” said an official of the army recruitment office, expressing satisfaction over the response of the youth.

He said the recruitment drive was organized with the objective of providing employment opportunities and encouraging the youth to join the armed forces.

The aspirants underwent various physical tests, including a 1.6 km run, chin-ups and other endurance exercises, followed by medical examinations and documentation checks, the official said.

"The response from the local youth has been tremendous. It is heartening to see such enthusiasm and passion to join the Indian Army. We are committed to providing a fair and transparent selection process," an officer of the Territorial Army said.

He said around 4000 candidates have cleared the ground test and will participate in the medical examination.

The locals lauded the army for organizing the recruitment drive in the border district.

“This is a significant step towards addressing unemployment in the border areas and instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth,” said Syed Imtiaz Kazmi, a prominent citizen of Surankote.

The officials said the event was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that the large gathering was managed smoothly.

The recruitment process is expected to continue for the next three days, they said, adding this recruitment rally marks yet another milestone in the Indian Army's ongoing efforts to strengthen its bond with people, providing new opportunities for the youth in the region that has historically faced challenges related to employment and development.

Many young aspirants expressed their hopes of securing a place in the prestigious armed forces, with dreams of serving the nation and supporting their families.

Mohd Asad, a local resident of Poonch, said that he joined the rally for the first time. “I am ready to serve the nation by joining the army,” he added.

Another aspirant Mohd Iqbal from Haveli area of Poonch thanked the army for providing them an opportunity to serve the nation.