Cong MPs from Kerala in tight spot as Church toughens stand on Waqf Bill

K C Venugopal made it clear in no uncertain terms that the party would oppose the Bill

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kochi/Kottayam

THE CONGRESS MPs from Kerala, especially the Christian members, are in a tight spot after the party took an official stand to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, which will be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.

BJP has taken a stand in Kerala that the dispute over Munambam land between the Kerala State Waqf Board and 600-odd families, mostly Christians and Hindus, who are living in the 400 acres of land for generations, can be resolved in favour of the residents once the Bill is passed.

"The BJP is creating a false narrative that the people of Munambam will get their land immediately after the Waqf Amendment Bill is passed. A settlement to the Munambam dispute can come only through a verdict of the court, where the case is pending," said a Congress MP, who wished not to be named. "What the BJP is trying to do is to divide Muslims and Christians through the Waqf Amendment Bill," he said over the phone.