Chief minister criticizes BJP’s misleading claims on Waqf Amendment Bill and Munambam issue

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that BJP's claim of Waqf Amendment Bill being a permanent solution to the Munambam issue was misleading. "Certain groups are deliberately trying to exploit the situation in Munambam and the waqf issue for their gain. Ruling BJP is at the forefront, pushing Sangh Parivar's agenda," he said during a news conference.
"The issue forcing residents of Munambam to relocate is causing significant distress. Their primary concern is to avoid this situation. As long-term residents, the state govt has prioritised protecting their rights. To address this, the CNR (CN Ramachandran Nair) commission was appointed to study and report on the matter. The commission is currently working. Despite requests to halt protests and wait for the report, the residents didn't comply, possibly due to other expectations influenced by certain parties," said Vijayan.
"Sangh Parivar views this bill as an opportunity for political gain by marginalising Muslims. The bill's content is divisive and anti-minority, aiming to appease majoritarian sentiments. This was the reason why the state assembly passed a resolution against the bill. Left parties strongly opposed the bill in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha," he said.
"After Parliament passed the unconstitutional bill, Sangh Parivar widely propagated it as the sole solution for Munambam's issues, driven by political motives. However, the Waqf Amendment Bill does not resolve the problems raised in Munambam. The central minister himself clarified that the amendment does not have retrospective effect, and it remains unclear which clause addresses Munambam's issues," said the CM.
"BJP attempted to leverage the situation politically by bringing Union minister Kiren Rijiju to Munambam. However, during his visit to Kochi, the truth emerged. He admitted that justice for Munambam residents couldn't be achieved solely through Waqf Amendment, undermining BJP's false narratives. The minister suggested continuing the legal battle in the Supreme Court for resolution, leaving the Munambam protest committee convener shocked," said Vijayan.
"BJP tried to mislead the people of Munambam. State govt is striving for a resolution and there shouldn't be any doubt about its commitment to protect the residents. Govt will take all necessary measures. BJP's efforts to exploit the passage of the unconstitutional Waqf Bill in Parliament for political gain are evident. Unfortunately, this is being supported, as reflected in the words of the opposition leader here," he alleged.
Vijayan also flayed IUML's duplicity in this issue.