Pinarayi accuses UDF govt. in Keralam of surrendering to BJP, RSS on Waqf issue

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government of surrendering to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sangh Parivar on issues including the Waqf law.

Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Waqf law and UDF surrender’ organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] here on Sunday evening, Mr. Vijayan pointed out that the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government that he led had not appointed two non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board. In contrast, he said, the UDF government told the High Court that there was no legal impediment to such appointments.

Mr. Vijayan questioned why the government should allow non-Muslims to be appointed to a Muslim religious institution. He alleged that such a move reflected a communal mindset and warned that similar interventions could later target institutions of other religions.

He also criticised the UDF over the singing of Vande Mataram, alleging that the decision to sing its full version at the new government’s swearing-in ceremony reflected a surrender to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agenda.

Mr. Vijayan said the Congress had no clear position on the issue and was aligning with RSS policies in States it governs and at its party headquarters.

Minister’s stance

He also questioned Waqf Minister N. Samsudheen’s position on the Waqf law and asked why he had not opposed the provision allowing non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama secretary Umar Faizy Mukkam also criticised the UDF government at the seminar. He alleged that the government had supported BJP leader Shone George’s position before the High Court in the Waqf case.

Mr. Faizy claimed that the government’s stand would allow even RSS members to be appointed to the Waqf Board. He alleged that the government was opposing the inclusion of Umar Faizy and K.S. Hamza on the board and said it was willing to compromise a religious law to keep them out.

Mr. Faizy praised Mr. Vijayan for not appointing non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Former Haj Committee chairman C. Mohammed Faizy and former Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel also attended the seminar.