Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: An appeal by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) to all MPs from the state to vote in favour of the Wakf Amendment Bill, when it is tabled in Parliament, has landed both the Congress and the CPM in a tight spot. While the Congress and CPM are part of the INDI Alliance at the Centre, they are bitter rivals in Kerala and both seek support from the Muslims as well as Catholics in the state.
While Muslims comprise nearly 27%, the Christians are about 18% of the total population of Kerala. Of the Christians, nearly 61% (2016 figures) are Catholics and the KCBC has significant influence over them.
Ignoring the KCBC would mean antagonising the Catholics, while supporting their call could result in a significant swing in the Muslim vote.
The only political party that seems to be enjoying itself is the BJP, with leaders – both central and state – going out of their way to thank the KCBC. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called the appeal a ‘welcome step’ and supported the KCBC’s demand to amend parts of the Wakf Act that are ‘unfair’ and ‘anti-Constitutional’.
The KCBC has raised concerns over provisions in the Wakf Act that prevent residents of Munambam in Kerala from receiving their rightful revenue from land they have legally owned and occupied for years.
“While Farook College itself had clearly stated that the land they received through donation was later sold to the people of Munambam, certain provisions in the Wakf Act create room for opposing claims,” the Council stated in a release.
In the villages of Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam district, local residents allege that the Waqf Board is unlawfully claiming their land and properties, despite them holding registered deeds and land tax payment receipts.
Earlier, Union minister for minority affairs (as well as parliamentary affairs) Kiren Rijiju also supported the KCBC. So did former union minister and Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
“This is not against any religion; it is about protecting constitutional rights,” Chandrasekhar said.
