Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama secretary Umar Faizi Mukkam launched a scathing attack on the UDF government led by V D Satheesan while speaking at a Waqf seminar organised by the CPM in Malappuram.

Speaking at the seminar titled ‘Waqf Law and UDF Surrender’, organised by the CPM Malappuram district committee, Umar Faizi alleged that the government had supported BJP leader Shawn George’s position before the Kerala High Court in the Waqf case.

“The government took such a stand because it did not want a Waqf Board with Comrade Umar Faizi and K S Hamza. Its position was that even two RSS members could be appointed if necessary,” he alleged.

He said the government appeared willing to compromise on its religious position as long as he and Hamza were removed from the board. “The government has been reduced to the point of standing with the RSS. It is trying to remove Hamza and me,” he said.

Umar Faizi also alleged that the government had failed to oppose the provision requiring the appointment of two non-Muslims to the Waqf Board, despite the department being headed by an Indian Union Muslim League minister. He said former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had taken a firm stand against implementing the provision during the previous LDF government.

The Samastha leader also sarcastically remarked that while the government was implementing ‘Operation Toofan’, alcohol was becoming increasingly available in the state. He said several of the government’s positions had created confusion and concern, adding that it was unclear where they would ultimately lead.

Earlier, inaugurating the seminar, opposition leader and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also attacked the UDF government over its position on the Waqf law. Vijayan said the previous LDF government had not appointed non-Muslims to the Waqf Board, while the UDF government had told the High Court that there was no legal impediment to such appointments.

Questioning the need for government intervention in a Muslim religious institution, he described the move as reflecting a “communal mindset” and warned that similar interventions could eventually target institutions of other religions.

Vijayan also criticised the UDF over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at the new government’s swearing-in ceremony, alleging that it reflected a surrender to the RSS agenda. He accused the Congress of lacking a clear position on the issue and aligning with RSS policies in states where it is in power and at its party headquarters.

He also questioned Waqf Minister N Samsudheen’s position, asking why the minister had not opposed the provision allowing the appointment of non-Muslim members to Waqf Boards.