The Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, is set to visit Vijayapura, Karnataka, today to address concerns from farmers regarding notices issued by the Waqf Board. These notices classified certain lands as Waqf property, sparking a dispute over property ownership rights. Pal’s visit comes following an invitation from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who highlighted farmers’ concerns over potential land ownership changes that might transfer control to the Waqf Board.
The controversy has fueled a political exchange between the BJP and the Congress-led state government. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that his government has withdrawn the Waqf Board notices to farmers and instructed officials to cancel recent modifications in land records. He accused the BJP of politicizing the issue despite the withdrawal being independent of BJP protests.
During his visit, Pal plans to meet with affected farmers, local organizations, and religious institutions to understand the situation better. Petitions and concerns collected during these interactions will be submitted to the JPC for further consideration. This visit is expected to intensify the ongoing political debate in Karnataka.
