Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has called upon Members of Parliament from the state to vote in favour of the Waqf Amendment Bill when it is brought up for discussion in Parliament. The move, which underscores concerns regarding land rights and constitutional fairness, has ignited a fresh political debate in Kerala, where opposition parties have been vocal in their stance against the bill.
KCBC president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos issued a statement on Saturday, urging MPs from Kerala to ensure that provisions in the Waqf Act, deemed unfair and unconstitutional, are amended. The KCBC, an influential body representing Catholic bishops of the Syro-Malabar, Latin, and Syro-Malankara Churches, has actively engaged in the discourse surrounding the legislation, highlighting its potential impact on Christian communities in the state.
A key factor behind the KCBC’s demand is the ongoing dispute over approximately 400 acres of land at Munambam in Ernakulam district. This land has been predominantly occupied by Christian families for generations. However, claims by the Waqf Board over these properties have led to widespread anxiety among residents.
Cardinal Cleemis pointed out that various clauses in the existing Waqf Act have created legal hurdles for the rightful occupants of the land, restricting them from enjoying their property rights. He specifically mentioned that the management of Farook College in Kozhikode, which had previously sold the land to these residents, had already confirmed that the land was gifted to them. Therefore, he argued, it was imperative for MPs to support the amendment to prevent the Waqf Board from making further claims on such properties.
The demand by KCBC has put political parties in Kerala, particularly the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), in a difficult position. Both fronts have opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, citing concerns about its impact on Muslim communities. The KCBC’s support for the bill has introduced a new dynamic into the debate, as the powerful Christian organization’s position challenges the stance of opposition parties.
The KCBC had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, urging immediate intervention to protect over 600 families in Munambam from losing their land. The council emphasized that the enforcement of the current Waqf law has been detrimental to several citizens who legally own properties, and it urged Parliament to ensure such claims do not arise again in the future.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the Lok Sabha on Friday, reaffirmed the Central government’s commitment to introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill in the ongoing session. The bill aims to address alleged legal inconsistencies in the current Waqf Act, ensuring that land ownership disputes are resolved in accordance with constitutional principles.
BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has welcomed the KCBC’s appeal, describing it as a step in the right direction. He urged all MPs from Kerala, including those from the Congress, to support the bill, asserting that it is essential for resolving land-related issues affecting fishing communities in Munambam.
Chandrasekhar also accused the opposition parties, particularly those affiliated with the INDIA bloc, of spreading misinformation about the bill to mislead certain sections of society. He stated that numerous families in Kerala have faced land acquisition issues due to unilateral claims by the Waqf Board and that the amendment is necessary to protect their rights.
“The Waqf Amendment Act will safeguard properties from being taken over arbitrarily. It is time for all lawmakers to recognize the plight of affected citizens and ensure justice,” Chandrasekhar remarked.
Despite support from the KCBC and BJP, the Waqf Amendment Bill has faced stiff opposition from Muslim organizations and political groups across the country. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called for nationwide protests against the bill, labeling it as an attack on Muslim rights and constitutional values. Opposition parties, including the Congress and CPI-M, have echoed these concerns, arguing that the bill disproportionately targets Muslim institutions.
Interestingly, the KCBC’s endorsement of the bill has complicated the political landscape in Kerala, where the Congress and CPI-M have traditionally enjoyed support from Christian voters. The Congress leadership has indicated that backing the Waqf Act Amendment in Parliament would be challenging given the prevailing political scenario. However, discussions with KCBC leaders may take place to address their concerns.
The CPI-M, on the other hand, has not yet officially responded to the KCBC’s stance, though political observers note that the development could force a reconsideration of its position.
