"Nothing but a BJP-sponsored committee": Priyank Kharge on JPC Chairman's Karnataka visit amid Waqf land issue

Speaking to ANI, Priyank Kharge questioned the committee's composition, asking, "If it's a JPC, then where are the other committee members?"

"It is a BJP committee. If it's a Joint Parliamentary Committee, where are the other members (of Parliament)? What is a former MP doing in that committee meeting? What are other MPs, who have no connection with the JPC, doing in that meeting?... A Joint Parliamentary Committee means the committee members should be present. This is nothing but a BJP-sponsored committee that has come today," he remarked.

On Thursday morning, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal met various farmers' organisations in Hubballi, Karnataka, and announced that a fact-finding report would be presented in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. He was accompanied by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya.

"We will submit the report in the upcoming winter session of Parliament," Pal stated to ANI, adding that he was in Karnataka to meet with farmers after receiving an invitation from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described the visit as "political drama" due to upcoming elections in the state.

"Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initiated this (sending of notices) in 2019, but the Karnataka government remains committed and will not alter any records," he stated, suggesting that the visit may have been politically motivated.

The BJP has alleged that Waqf designations were added to land records for 44 properties in Indi and Chadachan taluks of Vijayapura district without proper notification, following a meeting between Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and district officials.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he has instructed officials to stop issuing notices to farmers and to withdraw those already issued. (ANI)