KOCHI: The residents of Munambam joined the BJP after the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Fifty people including committee chairman Joseph Rocky, accepted the party membership from BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Leaders including Rajeev Chandrasekhar had reached the protest site in Munambam. The residents of Munambam then joined the party. BDJS leader Thushar Vellappally was also with Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha Friday morning. It will become a law after the President signs it. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill in the Rajya Sabha at 2 pm yesterday. After discussions, the bill was passed this morning.

The residents of Munambam shouted Jai to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Suresh Gopi and cheered soon after the bill was passed. They also burst crackers. They have decided to continue the strike until their revenue rights are restored.

Joseph Rocky said the new developments are the beginning of political change and that they will move forward with greater strength once they realize who the traitors are. While 28 MPs from Kerala, including those in the Rajya Sabha, opposed the bill, only BJP's Suresh Gopi took a strong stand. The strike committee convener Joseph Benny said the strike will continue strongly until definite decisions are made.