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The KCBC has urged Kerala’s elected representatives to support the amendments to the “unconstitutional and unjust provisions” of the Waqf Act
Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman. (PTI file photo)
Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday praised the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) for its appeal to elected representatives in the state to vote in favour of the Waqf Amendment Bill when it is discussed in Parliament.
Sitharaman called the KCBC’s appeal a “welcome step” and supported their call for amending parts of the Waqf Act that are deemed “unfair” and “anti-constitutional.”
In her post on X, Sitharaman shared an article of the KCBC’s appeal, stating, “A welcome step by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). Their call is for amending the sections which are “unfair” and “anti-constitutional”in the existing Waqf Act.”
A welcome step by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC).Their call is for amending the sections which are “unfair” and “anti-constitutional”in the existing Waqf Act.
“Kerala Catholic bishops put weight behind Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill.”
https://t.co/OtlIbZ3Fe3
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 31, 2025
What did the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council appeal?
The KCBC’s call has sparked political debate in the state, putting pressure on both the Congress-led UDF (United Democratic Front) and the CPI(M)-headed LDF (Left Democratic Front) to clarify their positions on the disputed land issue in Munambam.
In a statement released on Saturday, the KCBC had urged MPs in Kerala to support the amendments to the “unconstitutional and unjust provisions” of the Waqf Act. The statement was made by KCBC President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos on behalf of the influential body of the Catholic Church in the state.
The KCBC had raised concerns over provisions in the Waqf Act that prevent the residents of Munambam 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 Waqf Act create room for opposing claims,” the release had stated.
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.
The Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samiti has also been staging a relay protest in Munambam that has now lasted for over 150 days.
The CPI(M) has yet to respond to the KCBC’s statement on the issue.
Support From BJP Leaders
Apart from Sitharaman, several other BJP leaders have also supported the KCBC’s stance. Kerala BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday welcomed the KCBC’s appeal, saying that political leaders have a duty to address the issues faced by the people.
“This is not against any religion; it is about protecting constitutional rights,” Chandrasekhar stated.
ജനങ്ങൾ നേരിടുന്ന പ്രശ്നങ്ങളും വെല്ലുവിളികളും പരിഹരിക്കേണ്ടത് രാഷ്ട്രീയത്തിലുള്ളവരുടെ കടമയാണ്. ദുരിതം അനുഭവിക്കുന്ന മുനമ്പത്തെ ജനങ്ങൾ തങ്ങളുടെ വീടും സ്വത്തും സംരക്ഷിക്കാനുള്ള പോരാട്ടത്തിലാണ്.അതിനാൽ കേരളത്തിലെ എല്ലാ എംപിമാരും വഖഫ് ഭേദഗതി ബില്ലിനെ അനുകൂലിക്കണമെന്ന കേരള കാത്തലിക്… pic.twitter.com/pPUSFxmFiH
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) March 30, 2025
Another senior BJP leader PC George expressed his support for the KCBC’s position. On a Facebook post, George had praised the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council for its “strong stand” in support of the people of Munambam.
He also criticised the Congress and UDF for their dismissive attitude towards the Bishops’ Council’s call.
(With inputs from PTI)