The BJP has registered a ‘historic’ victory in the Kerala local body elections, even as the Waqf dispute continues to simmer. The win in Munambam has triggered political churn, with the BJP viewing the NDA’s success in this Waqf-affected area as a sign of rising support from the Christian community. With the Supreme Court maintaining the status quo on the issue, the outcome could influence the direction of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The Win That Blew the Bugle for the State Elections
This time, Kerala’s local body elections were not just about the number of seats won.The contest is being seen as a semi-final, offering a clear indication of the likely outcome of the Assembly elections scheduled for 2026. Hence, the three major fronts highlighted important political issues that could shape the upcoming Assembly elections. The CP(I) M-led Left Democratic Front, which is currently in power, continues to hold its traditional strength, and the Congress has also performed strongly in many areas. Most importantly, this election is seen as especially important for the BJP.
BJP’s historic win in Munambam – Hotspot of protests against Waqf Amendment Act 2025
At Munambam, which witnessed prolonged agitation on the Waqf land issue, BJP wins. BJP’s Christian candidate Kunjumon Augustine has won the first ward in Pallipuram panchayat in Ernakulam district. This victory has sweetened the BJP’s tea, both politically and socially. BJP Kerala General Secretary Anoop Antony Joseph described the NDA’s victory in the Munambam ward as “historic.”
The BJP is now projecting the entire controversy as a battle of “justice versus injustice.” The party views its victory in Munambam as a sign of growing trust among the Christian community in Kerala. Even if the win is largely symbolic, the BJP’s assertive stand on a sensitive issue like the Waqf dispute could further sharpen electoral debates in the state in the coming days.
About Munambam
Munambam, located in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, has been at the centre of protests and court cases after over 404 acres of land were declared as waqf property by the Kerala Waqf Board in 2019. approximately 500 Christian families in Munambam were facing the threat of eviction from their homes due to the Waqf Board’s alleged illegal claims. According to Anoop Antony, the Modi government and the BJP openly supported these families on this issue, which is why people supported the BJP in the local elections.
Munambam Waqf dispute – History
The roots of the Munambam Waqf dispute date back nearly seven decades. In 1950, a person named Siddiqui Sait donated this land to Farid College. Subsequently, the college administration sold portions of this land to local residents, even though people already lived in these areas. In 2019, the Kerala Waqf Board registered the entire land as Waqf property, invalidating all previous transactions. This subsequently left hundreds of families facing the threat of eviction.
Protests against this decision continued for more than 410 days in the Munambam and Cherai areas. The affected families challenged the decision before the Kozhikode Waqf Tribunal. The state government also set up the C. N. Ramachandran Nair Commission to examine land ownership.
In 2025, a single judge of the Kerala High Court cancelled the commission. Later, a division bench restored it and said the 2019 Waqf registration was not legally valid.
