‘A Welcome Step’: Sitharaman Praises Kerala Catholic Bishops For Urging MPs To Assist Waqf Invoice – News18

Final Up to date:March 31, 2025, 08:58 IST

The KCBC has urged Kerala’s elected representatives to assist the amendments to the “unconstitutional and unjust provisions” of the Waqf Act

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday praised the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) for its uncommon attraction to Members of Parliament (MPs) within the state to vote in favour of the Waqf Modification Invoice when it’s mentioned in Parliament.

Sitharaman referred to as the KCBC’s attraction a “welcome step” and supported their name for amending components of the Waqf Act which might be deemed “unfair” and “anti-constitutional.”

In her publish on X, Sitharaman shared an article of the KCBC’s attraction, stating, “A welcome step by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). Their name is for amending the sections that are “unfair” and “anti-constitutional”within the present Waqf Act.”

What did the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council attraction?

The KCBC’s name has sparked political debate within the state, placing stress on each the Congress-led UDF (United Democratic Entrance) and the CPI(M)-headed LDF (Left Democratic Entrance) to make clear their positions on the controversial Munambam land concern.

In a press release launched on Saturday, the KCBC urged Kerala’s elected representatives to assist the amendments to the “unconstitutional and unjust provisions” of the Waqf Act. The assertion was made by KCBC President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos on behalf of the influential physique of the Catholic Church within the state.

The KCBC had raised considerations over provisions within the Waqf Act that forestall the residents of Munambam from receiving their rightful income from land they’ve legally owned and occupied for years.

“Whereas Farook School itself had clearly said that the land they obtained via donation was later bought to the individuals of Munambam, sure provisions within the Waqf Act create room for opposing claims,” the discharge said.

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

Each the UDF and LDF in Kerala had handed a unanimous decision within the state meeting final 12 months opposing the Waqf (Modification) Invoice, 2024, which challenges provisions within the present Waqf legislation. The state authorities had additionally appointed a judicial fee led by former Excessive Courtroom Justice CN Ramachandran Nair to research the matter, however its work was stalled after the Kerala Excessive Courtroom quashed its appointment following a authorized problem.

The CPI(M) has but to answer the KCBC’s assertion on the problem.

Assist From BJP Leaders

Other than Sitharaman, a number of different BJP leaders have additionally supported the KCBC’s stance. Kerala BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday welcomed the KCBC’s attraction, saying that political leaders have an obligation to deal with the problems confronted by the individuals.

“This isn’t towards any faith; it’s about defending constitutional rights,” Chandrasekhar said.

One other BJP senior chief PC George additionally expressed his assist for the KCBC’s place. On a Fb publish, George praised the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council for its “sturdy stand” in assist of the individuals of Munambam.

He additionally criticised the Congress and UDF for his or her dismissive angle in the direction of the Bishops’ Council’s name.

(With inputs from PTI)