Political Row Erupts Over Kerala College On ‘Waqf Land’ As CPM Accuses IUML Of ‘Landgrab’

A fresh political controversy has gripped Kerala after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), an ally in the national opposition INDIA bloc, of attempting to misappropriate 25 acres of Waqf land leased to Sir Syed College in Kannur district.

The land, in question reportedly belongs to the Taliparamba Jamaat Masjid, was leased to Sir Syed College in 1967 with the approval of the Waqf Board, as per a report on India Today. Since then, the college, managed by a trust closely linked to the IUML, has paid lease rent for the land—up until 2021. The college is widely regarded as a prominent institution in the region.

The Controversy 

The current controversy arose after the college management reportedly submitted an affidavit to the Kerala High Court in a revenue dispute, stating that the property was privately owned by Narikkottu Eettiserry Illam—not classified as Waqf land. This claim sparked outrage from both sides, particularly from the ruling CPI(M), which accused the IUML of hypocrisy.

Chief Minister Vijayan criticised the IUML’s stance, pointing out the contradiction in its public condemnation of the BJP’s alleged efforts to encroach upon Waqf properties while allegedly engaging in a similar act in their own backyard, reported The Deccan Herald. The CPI(M) organised protests in Taliparamba, joined by the Waqf Protection Committee, demanding clarity and accountability. CPI(M) leaders have also questioned the timing and intent behind the disputed affidavit.

In response, the IUML and Sir Syed College officials have attempted damage control. IUML district leaders claimed the affidavit contained a clerical error and reaffirmed that the land indeed belongs to the Taliparamba Jamaat Masjid. College General Secretary Mahamood Allamkulam maintained that the college has always respected the lease agreement and that no deliberate attempt was made to deny the Waqf status.

As political tensions rise, Chief Minister Vijayan has urged IUML leaders to provide a formal explanation regarding the affidavit.