The ongoing Waqf row in Karnataka has drawn significant political attention as Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman Jagdambika Pal, accompanied by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, met with farmers in the region on Thursday.
The visit came amidst claims from farmers that the Waqf board is asserting ownership over lands they have occupied for decades. The JPC was recently established to examine the Waqf Amendment Bill, which is currently under Parliamentary review.
During his visit to Karnataka, Pal highlighted the concerns of the farmers, particularly those in northern parts of the state. According to Pal, the farmers assert that they have occupied and cultivated these lands for nearly 70 years, yet the Waqf board is now staking a claim to the same property.
"The farmers have provided a memorandum, alleging that the Waqf board is claiming land that rightfully belongs to them," said Pal. He emphasised that he is seeking evidence of the farmers’ land ownership, such as deeds or documents, as part of the JPC’s ongoing investigation.
The JPC Chair added that his visit to Hubballi and nearby areas, including Vijayapura, is intended to gather facts and determine the validity of the farmers’ concerns. Pal explained, "I came here as the JPC Chair on the Waqf board matter to meet the farmers and inquire into the situation.
The farmers argue that they are the rightful owners of the land, yet the Waqf board is asserting ownership. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya requested that I look into these areas, especially as there are also issues involving heritage sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)." Pal confirmed that the committee will compile a report based on these findings and will engage with additional farmers’ organisations across the affected areas.
However, Pal’s decision to visit the region has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, particularly from Congress. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed condemned Pal’s solo visit, calling it "unilateral" and claiming it lacked democratic fairness.
Jawed argued that the full JPC should have been involved in the Karnataka visit rather than just the Chairperson, suggesting that Pal’s actions appear politically motivated. "The entire JPC team should be part of such visits.
It’s inappropriate for the Chairman to act independently, especially when the Karnataka government has clarified that the land will remain under its jurisdiction," stated Jawed, expressing concerns over what he views as the politicisation of the issue.
Karnataka’s political landscape remains tense over the Waqf property issue, with local leaders echoing similar sentiments. Karnataka Minister MB Patil weighed in, criticising the BJP’s involvement, describing the situation as a "political drama."
According to Patil, the state government is committed to handling the Waqf property matter transparently and will ensure that necessary information is provided to the JPC. "The chairman’s visit will be supported with data from the local administration, but it is clear that the BJP is trying to stage a political act," said Patil.
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