A leading Muslim organisation in Kerala has raised concerns regarding the absence of Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi during the parliamentary debate on the Waqf Bill. An editorial in *Suprabhaatham*, a Malayalam newspaper affiliated with the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, described the bill as one of the “biggest attacks on Muslims… after the Babri incident” and questioned why Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Member of Parliament for Wayanad, was not present during the discussion despite a party whip.
The Waqf Bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, proposes significant changes to the Waqf Act of 1995, including the inclusion of non-Muslims and Muslim women in Waqf boards, and increased government oversight of Waqf properties. Supporters argue that these amendments aim to enhance transparency and reduce corruption within Waqf institutions. However, critics contend that the bill infringes upon the constitutional rights of Muslims and could lead to the appropriation of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation.
During the parliamentary session, several opposition members voiced strong objections to the bill. Congress MP K.C. Venugopal labeled the legislation as “draconian” and a fundamental attack on the Constitution, asserting that it violates the freedom of religion and undermines the federal structure. Similarly, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi argued that the bill breaches Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Constitution, describing it as both discriminatory and arbitrary. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the bill, suggesting that it is part of a well-thought-out political strategy that could lead to the confiscation of historic mosques and properties.
In Kerala, the bill has become a focal point in the political landscape, especially in the context of upcoming by-elections. The Catholic Church, which holds considerable influence in the Wayanad constituency, has expressed support for the bill, citing concerns over properties allegedly claimed unlawfully by the Waqf Board. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church-backed newspaper *Deepika* published an editorial criticizing both the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the Communist Party of India -led Left Democratic Front for their stance on the Waqf law, accusing them of ignoring the grievances of affected communities.
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