K Surendran accuses CM Pinarayi Vijayan of 'playing tricks' on Waqf issue

THRISSUR: BJP state president K. Surendran has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of avoiding action on alleged Waqf Board land occupations, suggesting that the CM is merely engaging in tricks to mislead the public ahead of the elections. Speaking to the media in Chelakkara, Surendran claimed that land occupations linked to the Waqf Board were spreading to multiple locations in Kerala, creating fear among the people.

Surendran demanded an apology from the Chief Minister for passing a resolution in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the central government’s Waqf Amendment Act, which was described as reflecting the "general sentiment" of Kerala. He criticized the CM for not addressing the issue sooner, calling on him to clarify his stance. "The Chief Minister needs to state clearly whether he is siding with those carrying out these occupations or with the affected people," he said.

Surendran alleged that the state government controls the Waqf Board and accused both the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF of supporting the Waqf Board’s actions. He claimed that the NDA was the only political front standing with the people on this issue.

Pointing to specific incidents, Surendran highlighted a recent claim over 5.6 acres of land in Mananthavady, Wayanad—where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is contesting—and alleged that neither the UDF nor the LDF have responded to the issue. He also mentioned rising concerns over Waqf-related occupations in Chelakkara and Palakkad, asserting that the Waqf Board is backed by both the ruling and opposition parties.

"Kerala is now facing the consequences of vote-bank politics," Surendran stated, predicting a strong showing for the NDA in Palakkad and anticipating historic progress in Wayanad.