Hubballi: ‘Not Just Farmlands, Heritage Sites Too’: Pal Raises Concerns Over Waqf Claims

Hubballi: Jagadambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Amendment Act, visited Hubli on Thursday for an inquiry related to the Waqf dispute in Karnataka. Speaking before receiving grievances from farmers in the district, he mentioned that the central government is preparing to amend the ‘Waqf Act-2024.’ MP Tejasvi Surya had brought Karnataka’s issues to his attention, noting that, similar to Delhi, farmers in the state are also facing problems with the Waqf Board.

“I am here in Karnataka specifically to listen to the farmers’ grievances,” said Pal. “Farmers here report that lands they have cultivated for decades are suddenly being claimed by the Waqf Board. They have brought land ownership documents in their names, and I will continue accepting their grievances,” he added.

He stated that the Waqf Board is attempting to assert rights over lands that have been farmed for the past 60-70 years, which has led to protests by farmers. During his visit to Hubli and also to Vijayapura district, he mentioned that it is not only agricultural land but also traditional sites under the Archaeological Department that are being claimed by the Waqf Board. He assured he would gather information on these developments and provide a report on the facts.

The grievance collection will take place at a private hotel in Hubli, where a meeting with farmers is also expected. MP Tejasvi Surya will be present in the meeting.

As the Waqf dispute in Karnataka intensifies, MP Tejasvi Surya had recently written to Jagadambika Pal about the matter, requesting that Karnataka farmers be invited as witnesses before the committee. Responding to his appeal, the Parliamentary Committee Chairman has now personally visited the state to hear the farmers’ grievances.