Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called on the Kerala government to act swiftly in resolving the Waqf land dispute in Munambam and cautioned against turning it into a communal issue. Locals in Cherai and Munambam, Ernakulam district, have accused the Waqf Board of unlawfully claiming their land, despite having registered deeds and land tax receipts.
Speaking to reporters after visiting residents on a 96-day hunger strike, Tharoor emphasized that the issue was not a Muslim-Christian conflict, but rather a technical-legal matter that needed to be resolved promptly. He urged the state government to quickly establish the facts and expedite the judicial process to provide residents with their land rights.
Tharoor also addressed recent comments by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who stated that India achieved "true independence" after the consecration of the Ram temple. Tharoor disagreed, asserting that India’s independence was the result of countless sacrifices by freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, and should not be belittled in political discussions.
Finally, Tharoor welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need for lasting peace in the region.