Kerala Land Row: Waqf Board Sparks Election Debate Amid Protests

The Waqf Board's land claims in Kerala, particularly Munambam, have become a key issue in state elections. Led by Church-backed protests, residents oppose these claims, prompting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to accuse Congress of exploiting voters and promise justice. State and federal governments remain entangled in the dispute.

The ongoing land dispute in Munambam, Kerala, has emerged as a critical issue in the state's political landscape, particularly during the by-election campaigns. Residents, under the leadership of the Syro-Malabar Church, have been protesting the Waqf Board's claims, accusing them of unlawfully seizing lands traditionally held by Christian families.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, representing the BJP-led Centre, criticized Congress for leveraging community-based politics, urging them to treat all communities equally rather than as mere vote banks. Despite the federal assurance of 'full justice', the dispute continues, with local leaders challenging the legal amendments to the Waqf Act.

The state government's efforts to resolve the situation include high-level talks and meetings, as tensions persist and protests, such as the ongoing relay fast in Munambam, highlight the urgency for a fair resolution. As the political debate intensifies, stakeholders call for a balanced resolution to the multifaceted issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)