Political clash over Waqf law at Malappuram seminar
Opposition leader and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government of surrendering to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sangh Parivar on issues including the Waqf law. Speaking at a seminar titled 'Waqf Law and UDF Surrender' organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in Malappuram, Vijayan said the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government he led had not appointed two non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board, while the UDF government told the High Court that there was no legal impediment to such appointments.
Vijayan questioned why the government should allow non-Muslims to be appointed to a Muslim religious institution. He alleged that such a move reflected a communal mindset and warned that similar interventions could later target institutions of other religions. He also criticised the UDF over the singing of Vande Mataram, alleging that the decision to sing its full version at the new government's swearing-in ceremony reflected a surrender to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agenda.
Vijayan's allegations on legal battle
Vijayan accused the UDF government of weakening the legal battle against the amended Waqf law by taking a stand that could facilitate the appointment of non-Muslims to Waqf Boards. He criticised the government's decision to defer any decision on appointing non-Muslims until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the amended law, saying the government should not adopt positions that could weaken the case pending before the apex court.
He said the government had modified its earlier position after protests but questioned whether the change indicated malicious intent. "The positions taken by the government on several issues earlier strengthen that suspicion," he said.
Vijayan alleged that the Centre had adopted an "openly communal" approach by amending the law to enable the appointment of non-Muslims to Waqf Boards. If government-nominated members were also non-Muslims, the composition of the boards could be significantly altered, he said.
He noted that the previous government had opposed the amendment, passed a resolution in the assembly and joined the proceedings in the Supreme Court. The UDF government, however, adopted a different position in a case filed by BJP leader Shone George, arguing that non-Muslims could be appointed to the board, he said.
"How can the government take such a stand? The minister in charge of the department, who is also an IUML representative, cannot claim ignorance of these facts," Vijayan said. He warned that the government's position before the court could affect the case and urged it to ensure the legal challenge was not weakened.
Umar Faizi's remarks
Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama secretary Umar Faizi Mukkam also criticised the UDF government at the seminar. He alleged that the government had supported BJP leader Shone George's position before the High Court in the Waqf case. "The government took such a stand because it did not want a Waqf Board with Comrade Umar Faizi and K S Hamza. Its position was that even two RSS members could be appointed if necessary," he said.
Faizi said the government appeared willing to compromise on its religious position as long as he and Hamza were removed from the board. "The government has been reduced to the point of standing with the RSS. It is trying to remove Hamza and me," he said.
He also alleged that the government had failed to oppose the provision requiring the appointment of two non-Muslims to the Waqf Board, despite the department being headed by an Indian Union Muslim League minister. He said Vijayan had taken a firm stand against implementing the provision during the previous LDF government, and praised him for not appointing non-Muslim members during his tenure.
The Samastha leader also sarcastically remarked that while the government was implementing 'Operation Toofan', alcohol was becoming increasingly available in the state. He said several of the government's positions had created confusion and concern, adding that it was unclear where they would ultimately lead.
Minister's stance questioned
Vijayan also questioned Waqf Minister N. Samsudheen's position on the Waqf law and asked why he had not opposed the provision allowing non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards. He accused the Congress of lacking a clear position on the issue and aligning with RSS policies in states it governs and at its party headquarters.
The seminar, organised by the CPI(M) Malappuram district committee, also saw the participation of former Haj Committee chairman C. Mohammed Faizy and former Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel, according to The Hindu.