The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on Monday, October 14, urging the Union government to withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The resolution, presented by Minister for Waqf, Haj pilgrimage, and Sports, V. Abdurahiman, alleges that the bill undermines both secular principles and democratic values, while also violating the federal structure of the Constitution.
The resolution contends that the proposed amendments weaken the authority of the state over Waqf matters. Abdulrahman argued that the bill strips power from Waqf Boards and tribunals, replacing elected representatives with a board of nominated members and a chairman. He stressed that this change diminishes the role of state governments in managing Waqf properties and infringes upon the rights of states.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition supported the resolution, adding amendments, some of which were accepted. The resolution reflects broad consensus within the Assembly against the bill.
However, critics argue that the resolution overlooks the real issues at stake. Observers highlight the example of 610 Christian and Hindu families in Cherai, Ernakulam district, who face displacement due to Waqf claims on their land. Reports suggest that, without the Waqf Amendment Bill, many individuals who have held land for generations could lose their homes and properties. Similar cases of Waqf claims over major temples and entire villages have been reported in other states.
Nationalist thinkers and critics of the resolution view it as an attempt to secure minority votes. They also point to past unanimous resolutions by the Kerala Assembly, such as the 2006 demand for the release of Abdul Nasar Ma’dani, and argue that this latest resolution is part of a broader pattern of political moves aimed at opposing Union government policies.
