Waqf Panel Head Visits Karnataka Amid BJP’s Land Jihad Claim

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Waqf Bill Panel Chief Jagdambika Pal visited Karnataka amid BJP’s land jihad claims.
• Pal met farmers to address their concerns about lands marked as Waqf properties.
• BJP MP Tejasvi Surya requested Pal to investigate the issue, covering Haveri, Vijayapura, and Belagavi.
• Opposition members criticized Pal’s solo visit, calling it a political move.
• The full panel is set to visit Lucknow and Hyderabad from November 9 to 14.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Waqf Panel Chief’s Karnataka Visit Amid BJP’s Land Jihad Allegations

Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, visited Karnataka for a fact-finding mission. The visit follows BJP’s allegations of ‘land jihad’ after farmers reported that their lands were marked as Waqf properties without consent.

On the request of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, Pal met with farmers across Haveri, Vijayapura, and Belagavi. Farmers expressed concerns, stating that they have held these lands for decades, and now they are claimed as Waqf properties.

Political Controversy and Opposition Criticism

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the BJP’s ‘land jihad’ charges, calling it a “political drama.” He claimed, “The BJP initiated this in 2019. My government will not alter any records.” Shivakumar added that the Waqf panel has no authority in state land matters.

Opposition members criticized Pal’s solo visit, terming it politically motivated. They argued that the visit lacked official committee authorization, raising concerns about its purpose.

Support from BJP Leaders

Meanwhile, BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje tweeted in support of the visit, calling for an end to what she termed “land terrorism.” She encouraged Pal to find a permanent solution for the affected farmers.

The full committee is set to visit multiple cities, including Lucknow and Hyderabad, from November 9 to 14, aiming to compile a comprehensive report on this sensitive issue.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• Jagdambika Pal visited Karnataka to meet farmers concerned over Waqf land claims.
• BJP labeled the issue as land jihad, voicing support for affected farmers.
• Deputy CM Shivakumar termed the controversy “political drama.”
• The full committee will visit Lucknow and Hyderabad from November 9 to 14.

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