'A Welcome Step': Sitharaman Praises Kerala Catholic Bishops For Urging MPs To Support Waqf Bill

Last Updated:March 31, 2025, 08:58 IST

The KCBC has urged Kerala’s elected representatives to support the amendments to the "unconstitutional and unjust provisions" of the Waqf Act

In a fiery speech in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said DMK people idolise a person who spoke "disparagingly" against Tamil language. (Photo: PTI file)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday praised the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) for its rare appeal to Members of Parliament (MPs) in the state to vote in favour of the Waqf Amendment Bill when it is discussed in Parliament.

Sitharaman called the KCBC’s appeal a “welcome step" and supported their call for amending parts of the Waqf Act that are deemed “unfair" and “anti-constitutional."

In her post on X, Sitharaman shared an article of the KCBC’s appeal, stating, “A welcome step by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). Their call is for amending the sections which are “unfair" and “anti-constitutional"in the existing Waqf Act."

What did the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council appeal?

The KCBC’s call has sparked political debate in the state, putting pressure on both the Congress-led UDF (United Democratic Front) and the CPI(M)-headed LDF (Left Democratic Front) to clarify their positions on the controversial Munambam land issue.

In a statement released on Saturday, the KCBC urged Kerala’s elected representatives to support the amendments to the “unconstitutional and unjust provisions" of the Waqf Act. The statement was made by KCBC President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos on behalf of the influential body of the Catholic Church in the state.

The KCBC had raised concerns over provisions in the Waqf Act that prevent the residents of Munambam from receiving their rightful revenue from land they have legally owned and occupied for years.

“While Farook College itself had clearly stated that the land they received through donation was later sold to the people of Munambam, certain provisions in the Waqf Act create room for opposing claims," the release stated.

In the villages of Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam district, local residents allege that the Waqf Board is unlawfully claiming their land and properties, despite them holding registered deeds and land tax payment receipts. The Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samiti has been staging a relay protest in Munambam that has now lasted for over 150 days.

Both the UDF and LDF in Kerala had passed a unanimous resolution in the state assembly last year opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which challenges provisions in the current Waqf law. The state government had also appointed a judicial commission led by former High Court Justice CN Ramachandran Nair to investigate the matter, but its work was stalled after the Kerala High Court quashed its appointment following a legal challenge.

The CPI(M) has yet to respond to the KCBC’s statement on the issue.

Support From BJP Leaders

Apart from Sitharaman, several other BJP leaders have also supported the KCBC’s stance. Kerala BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday welcomed the KCBC’s appeal, saying that political leaders have a duty to address the issues faced by the people.

“This is not against any religion; it is about protecting constitutional rights," Chandrasekhar stated.

Another BJP senior leader PC George also expressed his support for the KCBC’s position. On a Facebook post, George praised the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council for its “strong stand" in support of the people of Munambam.

He also criticised the Congress and UDF for their dismissive attitude towards the Bishops’ Council’s call.

(With inputs from PTI)

News politics 'A Welcome Step': Sitharaman Praises Kerala Catholic Bishops For Urging MPs To Support Waqf Bill