Home State Kerala Munambam Erupts In Joy As Waqf Bill Passes; 50 Christians Join BJP...

Munambam Erupts In Joy As Waqf Bill Passes; 50 Christians Join BJP In Gratitude

By
The Commune
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In a dramatic political development with deep grassroots resonance, Munambam village in Kerala’s Ernakulam district turned celebratory this week as Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. At the heart of the jubilation lies a bitter land dispute, with the State Waqf Board staking claim to 400 acres of coastal land inhabited by over 600 families — predominantly Christians — who have lived there for generations.

174 Days Of Protest Ends In Celebration

For the past 174 days, these families held a continuous protest under the banner of Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samithi, demanding protection of their land rights. On Wednesday night, as the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill — followed by the Rajya Sabha — the village erupted in celebration. Residents burst crackers, raised slogans like “Narendra Modi Zindabad,” and announced plans to celebrate.

50 Local Christians Join BJP

Joseph Benny, convener of the protest action committee, confirmed that 50 residents — all Christians and previously Congress and CPI(M) voters — joined the BJP on Thursday. Their switch signals a possible shift in political sentiment in the region, traditionally seen as a stronghold of secular parties.

BJP Leaders Join Residents In Solidarity

On Thursday, BJP Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar visited Munambam and addressed the local protesters.

“This is an important day in the state’s political history,” he said. “This agitation has given strength to the Prime Minister and Parliament to pass the amendment Bill. We will be with you until you get back revenue rights over the land. This Bill has the power to give back the revenue rights of your land.”

He further added, “The people of Munambam have been betrayed by MPs and MLAs who they had elected. But their voice reached Parliament and it is a shining moment for Indian democracy.”

“The fight against Waqf claim over Munambam land has brought the village in national focus,” Chandrasekhar told the media. He alleged that MPs who opposed the bill were supporting appeasement politics and misleading the public.

He clarified that the bill “was not against any religion” but was intended “to ensure transparency in the functioning of the Waqf Board.”

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament is a milestone in Indian history,” he said. “The non-violent protest of the residents of Munambam village reached New Delhi and facilitated the passage of a historic bill. I am sure the bill will help restore the land rights of the residents of Munambam.”

The Syro-Malabar Church welcomed the bill, describing it as a source of relief for the families of Munambam. Many residents had also undertaken a relay hunger strike for 173 days, making the moment deeply emotional.

Chandrasekhar emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has followed the policy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas since 2014, and that the Union government has never discriminated based on caste or religion.

While Thursday was a day of joy, residents have made it clear that the protest will continue until the new law is enacted and their revenue rights are officially restored. “We are very happy and hopeful that we will finally get back our revenue rights once the bill is enacted,” said Joseph Benny.

For the villagers of Munambam, the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill marks not just a legal victory, but a powerful moment of recognition and hope.

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