Kerala polls: Amit Shah targets LDF, UDF over Waqf issue; accuses Pinarayi govt of ‘rebranding’ central schemes

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused both the ruling LDF and the Opposition UDF in Kerala of remaining silent over alleged land encroachments by the Waqf Board in Ernakulam, and said only the BJP had acted to address such issues through an amendment to the law.

Addressing an NDA election rally in Ernakulam , Shah said the Centre had introduced amendments to Waqf-related laws to curb irregularities. He alleged that around 400 acres of land belonging to nearly 600 Christian and Hindu families in Ernakulam had been taken over by the Waqf Board, but neither the LDF nor the UDF raised the issue.

Sharpening his attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, he accused the state government of rebranding centrally sponsored schemes. “The Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches schemes and allocates funds, but the Kerala government renames them and presents them as its own initiatives,” he said.


Citing examples, Shah alleged that foodgrain distribution, housing schemes and highway development projects funded by the Centre were being projected as state initiatives. He also said that despite full central funding for the NH-66 project connecting Talapady and Thiruvananthapuram, the state government was taking credit through publicity campaigns.

The Home Minister further alleged that funds allocated under the National Health Mission were not utilised effectively due to political considerations, and reiterated that the BJP’s governance approach was based on “justice for all and appeasement of none”.

Referring to action against the Popular Front of India, Shah said the Centre had acted decisively against organisations involved in anti-national activities.

Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah criticised his remarks on fuel prices, accusing him of making misleading statements during campaign speeches.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, with parties stepping up attacks over governance, minority outreach and development claims.