The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday, October 14, urging the central government to withdraw the contentious 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill. The resolution, presented by Minister for Waqf, Haj Pilgrimage, and Sports, V Abdurahiman, emphasized that the bill undermines the federal principles embedded in the Constitution, sparking concerns over state rights and religious governance.
Minister Abdurahiman argued that the bill infringes on the authority of state governments concerning Waqf matters, particularly by weakening the power of state Waqf boards and tribunals, which manage Waqf properties. “This bill not only violates the secular principles outlined in the Constitution but also threatens democratic values by replacing elected representatives with a board of nominated members and a nominated chairman,” he stated during the assembly session.
The minister also underscored the importance of protecting fundamental rights such as freedom of belief, secularism, federalism, and democratic processes. He pointed out that the bill contains provisions that contradict the core principles of the Constitution, calling for its immediate withdrawal.
The resolution gained support from both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). The UDF proposed several amendments to the resolution, some of which were accepted during discussions, demonstrating bipartisan agreement on the issue.
This collective opposition highlights the assembly’s shared concerns about federal overreach and the central government’s role in managing religious properties. The Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked a broader debate about the balance of power between state and central authorities, especially in matters of religious governance and property management.
The call for the withdrawal of the bill reflects ongoing tensions surrounding federalism and the preservation of state rights, particularly in the context
