Kerala's Chief Minister stated that the former Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), had agreed to appoint non-Muslim members to the state's Waqf Board. The Waqf Board is a statutory body that manages Muslim religious properties and endowments. The Chief Minister's remarks came amid a political controversy over the board's composition.
Congress leader V.D. Satheesan accused Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan of attempting to stir communal tensions against the current United Democratic Front (UDF) government. Satheesan claimed that Vijayan's criticism of the government's decisions regarding the Waqf Board was a deliberate effort to divide communities for political gain.
The UDF government, led by the Congress party, has faced opposition from the LDF over its handling of the Waqf Board appointments. The Chief Minister defended his government's actions, emphasizing that the previous LDF administration had itself considered including non-Muslim members in the board. This statement has fueled a heated exchange between the two political fronts.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over the management of religious institutions in Kerala, a state known for its diverse religious demographics. Both sides have accused each other of playing politics with religious matters.