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Pinarayi Vijayan Accuses UDF Government of Conceding to BJP and RSS Over Waqf Issue

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) administration, alleging that it has yielded to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sangh Parivar on key matters, including the Waqf law.

What Happened

Addressing a seminar titled ‘Waqf law and UDF surrender’, organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Mr. Vijayan highlighted contrasting approaches between the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) administration and the current government. He stated that during his tenure as Chief Minister, the LDF government chose not to appoint two non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board. In contrast, he noted that the UDF government submitted to the High Court that no legal obstacle prevents such appointments.

Mr. Vijayan questioned the rationale behind appointing non-Muslim members to an institution dedicated to a specific religion, warning that such measures reflect a communal mindset and could later lead to interventions in the institutions of other faiths. He also questioned the position of Waqf Minister N. Samsudheen, asking why the minister failed to oppose provisions that allow non-Muslims on Waqf Boards.

Beyond the Waqf debate, Mr. Vijayan pointed to the decision to sing the full version of Vande Mataram at the swearing-in ceremony of the new administration, describing it as an alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agenda. He claimed that the Congress party lacks a clear stance and continues to align with RSS policies across states it governs as well as at its headquarters.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama secretary Umar Faizy Mukkam also addressed the seminar, claiming that the state government backed the legal stand of BJP leader Shone George before the High Court. Mr. Faizy raised concerns that such a position could enable RSS members to join the board. He further alleged that the government was willing to compromise religious law specifically to prevent his own inclusion and that of K.S. Hamza on the Waqf Board, while commending Mr. Vijayan for not appointing non-Muslim members during his previous term.

Key Highlights

  • Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the previous LDF administration avoided appointing non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board, while the UDF informed the High Court that no legal impediment exists.
  • Mr. Vijayan cautioned that permitting non-Muslim appointments to Muslim religious bodies could open the door to similar actions in other religious institutions.
  • The Leader of the Opposition questioned Waqf Minister N. Samsudheen for not objecting to the non-Muslim membership provision.
  • Criticism was also levelled against the UDF for singing the full version of Vande Mataram at its swearing-in event.
  • Samastha leader Umar Faizy Mukkam alleged the government aligned with BJP leader Shone George’s position in court to exclude specific individuals from the board.
  • Former Haj Committee chairman C. Mohammed Faizy and former Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel were among the notable attendees at the event.

Why This Matters

The debate highlights significant political and legal disagreements regarding the composition and regulation of statutory religious bodies in the state. The arguments put forward by opposition leaders and religious representatives focus on administrative autonomy, judicial representations by the state government, and broader political tensions surrounding the Waqf framework.

What to Watch Next

Future proceedings before the High Court regarding Waqf Board appointments, alongside any formal responses from Waqf Minister N. Samsudheen or the UDF leadership addressing these allegations, will clarify the administration’s stance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main allegation raised by Pinarayi Vijayan?

Mr. Vijayan alleged that the Congress-led UDF government surrendered to the BJP and Sangh Parivar regarding the Waqf law by telling the High Court that there was no legal impediment to appointing non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board.

What did Umar Faizy Mukkam say at the seminar?

Umar Faizy Mukkam alleged that the state government supported BJP leader Shone George’s position before the High Court and compromised religious legal principles to prevent him and K.S. Hamza from being appointed to the Waqf Board.

Who else attended the CPI(M) seminar?

The seminar was attended by notable figures including former Haj Committee chairman C. Mohammed Faizy and former Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.