Controversy Erupts Over Waqf Claims and BJP Leader's Remarks

The controversial statement by BJP leader K Gopalakrishnan about the Waqf claim on Sabarimala has sparked a debate. His remarks were made during a bypoll campaign, amidst ongoing concerns within the Christian community regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with political tensions rising in Kerala.

A BJP leader's remarks have sparked controversy in Kerala, with K Gopalakrishnan suggesting that if 'Vavar Swamy' claims land as Waqf, Lord Ayyappa might have to leave Sabarimala. His comments come during a heated campaign period for the BJP candidate, Navya Haridas, as debates intensify over the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The statement targets the proposed bill introduced by the BJP-led Centre, intended to amend existing Waqf laws. Gopalakrishnan's remarks aimed to address concerns about potential Waqf claims on religious lands, drawing an analogy to the Christian pilgrimage site Velankanni, sparking significant discourse.

The controversy arises amidst dissatisfaction among the Christian community toward the ruling LDF and UDF's stance, which recently opposed the BJP-led Centre's bill in Kerala's state assembly, leading to allegations of unlawful land claims by the Waqf Board affecting Christian families in Ernakulam district.

(With inputs from agencies.)