Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, criticized the Congress-led UDF government for agreeing to implement the Centre’s new Waqf guidelines, which involve including non-Muslims in the Kerala Waqf Board. This decision marks a significant shift from the previous Left government’s stance, which strongly opposed the Centre’s amendments to the Waqf Act. Vijayan highlighted that several non-BJP governed states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, had objected to these changes when they were introduced.
The Opposition leader expressed concerns that the BJP’s aim is to introduce non-Muslims into Waqf Boards, potentially undermining the rights of the Muslim community. He warned that such actions could set a precedent for similar guidelines affecting institutions of other religious groups in the future. Vijayan recalled the Left government’s unified resolution in October 2024, supporting minority rights and opposing the Centre’s amendments.
Vijayan criticized the current Satheesan government for reversing its stance and indicating compliance with the Unified Waqf Act formulated by the Centre. He highlighted that the government’s submission to the Kerala High Court, supported by the Advocate General and a Muslim League nominee, signified a shift in policy. Despite the Waqf Board needing only five members for a quorum, the government’s insistence on appointing two non-Muslim members amid pending Supreme Court decisions raised concerns for Vijayan.
Alleging a political understanding between the UDF and the BJP, Vijayan condemned the government’s move as a betrayal of the minority community. He contrasted the Congress’s current approach with the Left’s previous principled stand on the issue. Vijayan vowed to lead a campaign against what he termed the UDF’s inconsistent stance on the Waqf matter.
