Thu Apr 03 18:26:12 UTC 2025: **Rajya Sabha Debate Heats Up Over Kerala Land Dispute**

New Delhi, April 4, 2025 — A heated debate erupted in the Rajya Sabha yesterday over the contentious Munambam land dispute in Kerala, with the BJP using the issue to advocate for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The dispute centers on 404 acres of land claimed by the Kerala State Waqf Board, currently inhabited by approximately 600 predominantly Christian families.

The debate saw a sharp exchange between CPI(M) MP John Brittas and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi, with both engaging in a heated exchange in Malayalam. Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju referenced the controversy, noting appeals from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) for support of the Bill. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda questioned why Christian organizations were approaching the Centre instead of state leaders.

Mr. Brittas accused the BJP of exploiting the situation for political gain, highlighting the government’s alleged inaction regarding attacks on Christians in other parts of India. He contrasted the Munambam situation with the violence against Christians in Manipur. Mr. Gopi, the lone BJP MP from Kerala, countered, highlighting a Kerala High Court decision quashing a state government inquiry into the land dispute.

Congress MP Jebi Mather voiced her party’s support for the Munambam residents, accusing the BJP of using the issue for communal polarization. The debate underscored the deep political divisions surrounding the land dispute and the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

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