The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Kerala government over the controversial Munambam Waqf issue, accusing the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of resorting to vote bank politics to shield the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). The party demanded immediate intervention to resolve the long-pending dispute that has sparked tensions in the coastal region.
BJP's Strong Condemnation
Addressing a press conference in Kochi, BJP state president K. Surendran alleged that the Kerala government was deliberately delaying the settlement of the Waqf board's claim over properties in Munambam, a fishing hamlet in Ernakulam district. He claimed that the UDF, led by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), was exploiting the issue for electoral gains. "The UDF is playing a dangerous game by instigating communal passions to consolidate their vote bank. The LDF government is complicit by not taking a decisive stand," Surendran said.
History of the Dispute
The Munambam Waqf controversy dates back to 2016 when the Kerala Waqf Board declared 404 cents of land in Munambam as Waqf property, sparking protests from local residents, mostly from the fishing community. The board claimed the land was donated by a Muslim philanthropist decades ago, but residents argued that they had been living there for generations and held valid title deeds. The matter is currently pending before the Kerala High Court.
The BJP leader accused the LDF government of failing to protect the rights of the local populace. "Instead of safeguarding the interests of the people, the government is pandering to the Waqf board and its political masters. This is a clear case of minority appeasement," he added.
Political Reactions
The Congress-led UDF, however, dismissed the BJP's allegations as baseless. UDF convener M.M. Hassan said the BJP was trying to divert attention from its own failures and communal agenda. "The BJP has no moral right to talk about vote bank politics when they themselves are indulging in it nationally. The Waqf issue is a legal matter, and the court will decide," he said.
The ruling LDF also rejected the BJP's claims, with CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan stating that the government was committed to a fair resolution. "The government has already filed an affidavit in the court stating its position. The BJP is only trying to create a communal divide," he said.
Impact on Local Communities
The dispute has caused significant unrest in Munambam, with residents staging protests demanding the withdrawal of the Waqf claim. Many fear displacement and loss of livelihood. Local leaders from various parties have urged the government to find an amicable solution. The BJP has announced plans to hold a series of agitations across the state to highlight the issue.
Political analysts believe the controversy could have ramifications in the upcoming local body elections, with both the LDF and UDF keen to retain their traditional vote banks. The BJP, which has been trying to expand its footprint in Kerala, sees the issue as an opportunity to woo the Hindu fishing community.
As the legal battle continues, the state government faces pressure to intervene and broker a settlement. The BJP has warned of a statewide protest if the matter is not resolved soon. "We will not allow the Waqf board to encroach upon the rights of the people. The government must act now," Surendran asserted.
