P Rajeev Criticises UDF Government Over Stand on Waqf Board Case; Questions Kunhalikutty's Silence on the Matter

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Law Minister P Rajeev has criticised the UDF government's stand in the Kerala High Court on the Waqf Board issue, alleging that it supported a petition filed by BJP state vice-president Shaun George.

Rajeev said Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty's refusal to respond to media questions on the issue amounted to "a calculated attempt to evade the matter." He noted that the minister declined to answer questions regarding the government's reported support for the plea seeking the reconstitution of the State Waqf Board by including non-Muslim representatives.

Questioning the UDF's explanation, Rajeeve asked how the government could claim it was unaware of the proposal to appoint non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board. He alleged that the government's counsel had submitted an affidavit before the High Court supporting the petition seeking such appointments.

Rajeeve also questioned whether the state government's stand contradicted the position taken by the Congress and its allies in Parliament, as well as the position earlier adopted by the Kerala government before the Supreme Court.

According to Rajeev, it was because the LDF government took that stand at the time that the case before the Supreme Court moved in a direction that could render it invalid. He alleged that the Muslim League had chosen to remain silent on a matter of serious public importance.

He further accused the UDF government of betraying Muslims, religious minorities and secular values through its position in the case.

Rajeeve reiterated that the LDF's stand was that the provision under Section 14 of the new law permitting the appointment of non-Muslims to the Waqf Board violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Constitution.