Waqf Bill will benefit Munambam residents, says Union Minister Suresh Gopi

Union Minister Suresh Gopi (file)
| Photo Credit: PTI

Union Minister Suresh Gopi said in Kochi on Friday (April 4, 2025) that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 approved by Parliament would benefit the people of Munambam in Ernakulam, Kerala, who have been protesting seeking restoration of their revenue rights over the land claimed by the Kerala State Waqf Board.

The new legal amendments would also benefit the people who were previously at a disadvantage, he told mediapersons at the Kochi airport. “Please don’t try to create any confusion. Let’s wait and see how it pans out,” he said in response to queries about whether the amendments would have retrospective effect.

Stating that “some people had earlier claimed that the Bill would be thrown into the dust bin by the Joint Parliament Committee”, he criticised the Opposition. “Where are they now?” he asked.

The Union Minister appeared upset when asked to comment on the recent attacks on Malayali priests at Jabalpur. He asked whether some people had tried to “trap” the bishop in Pala in a case. “Be careful while speaking. You should understand that the people are bigger than the media,” he said.

The Minister said necessary action would be taken against those involved in the Jabalpur incident.