Kerala CM says former CPI(M)-led LDF govt had agreed to appoint non-Muslim members on Waqf Board
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has defended his government's stance on the Waqf Board, claiming the previous LDF administration had already committed to appointing non-Muslim members. This statement comes in response to allegations from opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, who accused the current government of compromising minority interests by implementing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the ongoing political tension in Kerala regarding the implementation of the Union government's Waqf (Amendment) Act and the balance between secular governance and minority representation.
The previous CPI(M)-led LDF government had agreed to appoint two non-Muslim members on the Kerala Waqf Board but at a later stage, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said. The assurance was part of the government order on the board formation issued at the time, he added.
At a post-Cabinet press briefing in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, the Chief Minister alleged that Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan was trying to “foment communal sentiments” against the Congress-led UDF government.
“It is on record. Their (LDF) government had given an assurance in the order that the appointments will be made at a later stage from among public figures and the Bar Council,” Mr. Satheesan said. The appointments were not made then as, apparently, the Bar Council elections were in progress, he said.
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