Kerala Catholic Bishops Council Urges MPs to Support Waqf Amendment Bill

In a significant development, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has called upon Members of Parliament from Kerala to support the Waqf Amendment Bill, citing the need to amend provisions that, according to them, legitimize illegal claims and adversely impact revenue rights. The KCBC, a prominent Christian body, has particularly highlighted concerns over a land dispute involving Farook College, which was reportedly transferred as a gift but remains contested to this day.

Members of the Christian community in Kerala have now reached out to MPs, urging them to vote in favor of the proposed amendments. This move is seen as a notable stance by the KCBC, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring just land regulations and protections.

The KCBC's endorsement of the Waqf Amendment Bill delivers a blow to opposing factions and counters narratives that frame the issue as a religious or communal dispute. The council’s statement challenges attempts to polarize the matter, instead emphasizing that the amendments address broader concerns over land governance.

Arpita, a senior correspondent, reports that the Christian community in Kerala has raised issues about sudden land claims by Waqf authorities, which have impacted several Christian families. The KCBC, in its appeal to MPs, has underscored multiple cases of land disputes, particularly in Kochi, where residents have faced legal uncertainties.

The KCBC’s stance has garnered support from Union Ministers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, who have lauded the Catholic body for its proactive approach. Government representatives have welcomed the move, asserting that it aligns with efforts to rectify legal ambiguities in property ownership and ensure equitable land administration.

Despite opposition from both the Congress and the Left, the KCBC remains firm in its advocacy for the bill. The larger political question now is whether opposition parties, including the INDIA bloc, will take a definitive stance on the amendments. The Ajmer DGA Chief and the KCBC have emerged as key supporters of the legislative revisions, further strengthening the push for reforms.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the KCBC’s position, commending the Kerala Christian community for recognizing the necessity of these amendments. BJP leaders have reiterated that the bill aims to address long-standing discrepancies in land management and prevent undue encroachments.

As the political debate intensifies, the coming days will determine whether Kerala’s MPs heed the KCBC’s call and support the amendments in Parliament. The discussions surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill continue to evolve, with significant implications for land policies and governance across the state and beyond.