CPI criticises Kerala Chief Minister on Waqf issue

The Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretariat took exception to the stand of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on the Waqf issue.

The reconstitution of the Board by including two non-Muslims had grown into a conflict issue between the Kerala Waqf Board and the State government. The Board had criticised the government for its reported support to petitions before the Kerala High Court seeking the reorganisation of the Board.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] too had criticised the State government for its stand on the issue.

The CPI was of the view that the position adopted by Mr. Satheesan on the Waqf issue reflected the stance of the BJP. Though Mr. Satheesan wishes to describe himself as a Nehruvian activist, he was implementing the political policies of the killers of Gandhiji. He could also ensure the support of the Indian Union Muslim League, a constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front, in implementing these policies, the party said.

The party hoped that the followers of Gandhiji and Nehru within the Congress would shortly come out against the double standards of the Chief Minister.