As the Catholic Church harms its opposition to the WAQF law, especially against the background of a sports dispute in Munambam, the political parties depending on Catholic votes in Central Travancore are now in uncertain position.
Congress Jose K. Mani-Mama-Ceral Congress (M) and PJ Joseph, led by Keral’s Congress, now faces a difficult choice to either associate with the attitude of their relevant coalition on the bill or risk the alienation of their basic Christian voter base. Clear news from the Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has now stated these parties to high warnings, while for BJP it serves as strategic support
The BJP head, including the Minister of Finance of the Nirmal Sitharaman and Minority Minister, Kiren Rijija, openly welcomed the position of KCBC, because BJP is actively trying to earn increasing dissatisfaction over the issue of Munambam.
On the other hand, the Congress fraction of Kerala was largely silent. Their unwillingness to express them, especially because the Catholic Church has accepted a more open approach to expressing dissatisfaction with the leading coalitions in the state.
When he was contacted, Mr. Mani, chairman of KC (M) and Rajya Sabha, said he would wait for a clearer version of the WAQF law before making any notes. ” After passing through the bill and the legal validity of various proposals, it will be interested in it, ” said.
Kottayam and Keral Congress also reflected the deputy chairman Francis George also reflected a similar sentiment and noted that the bill could be revised on the basis of recommendations from the common parliamentary committee (JPC). “We will answer as soon as we have the final bill. The united democratic front and the Indian block will take a suitable attitude after reviewing the amendments,” George told reporters.
Despite their public restrictions, the leaders of the party on both sides recognize the challenge of the balance of their loyalty to the relevant coalition with the expectation of the Catholic community. However, Joseph’s faction hopes that UDF will not take a position that directly contradicts the KCBC stand because it can trigger the political will in Central Travancore.
For KC (m), the sports dispute is Munammam in the heart of the Church’s opposition to the WAQF account. The party leaders claim that the Church has already committed full support. “We will explore the legal feasibility of amendment of the Munambam problem Act. At the same time, the attempts to remedy all the undemocratic provisions of the current law will have to be supported,” said the head of KC (m).
KC (m) is now strategic ways to navigate the differences in the church regarding its perceived attitude of the pro-BJP. The party plans to engage directly with people and emphasize its commitment to deal with key concerns raised by the church – including the falling rubber price, increasing attacks on wild animals, disputes from the bumper zone and the problem of the Mulperiyar dam. Through public campaigns, KC (m) intends to direct public dissatisfaction with these issues towards the Union’s government.
Published – 31 March 2025 17:25 is
