Pinarayi accuses UDF govt for inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Board

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the government over the Waqf Board controversy. He said that although the Centre passed the law, states governed by non-BJP parties had taken a strong stand against it. Non-Muslims were included in Waqf Boards only in BJP-ruled states according to the new amendment. Pinarayi alleged that the present Kerala government is moving in the same direction.

‘Many firms belonging to different religious communities’ function. It is not appropriate for people of other faiths to interfere in matters related to their management. The Centre promoted such an approach through the new Waqf amendment. The Waqf Board is meant to be a system connected exclusively with the Muslim community. The Sangh Parivar attempted to force non-Muslims into its management, and the BJP government implemented this through the amendment. If Muslims are facing such acts today, other religious communities may face the same tomorrow.

During the tenure of the LDF government, the UDF had also expressed concern over the Centre’s intervention. However, the present government informed the Kerala High Court that they are ready to implement the law without changing even a word. The Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the Central Government, also informed the court of his agreement with the petitioners and the state government.

When the Waqf Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, the Left parties took a strong stand against it. K C Venugopal had also opposed the law. Now all those objections are being ignored by the state government. The government is determined to induct non-Muslims into the Waqf Board,’ said the opposition leader.