John Brittas: From newsroom to Rajya Sabha firebrand
MP accuses the government of attempting to “divide even the gods”, illustrating how policy decisions are skewed to disadvantage Muslim institutions
Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala, John Brittas, in an interview to The Federal, launched a strong critique of the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a grave threat to the secular fabric of the country.
He accused the BJP government of orchestrating divisive manoeuvres to alienate the Muslim community and create communal polarization. Brittas defended the united Opposition’s stand, saying, “We will fight this Waqf (Amendment) Bill tooth and nail.”
He highlighted how the Bill gives the government power to appoint non-Muslims to majority positions in Muslim religious bodies. “It simply means alienation of the waqf administration from the Muslims,” he said, calling the move disastrous.
Secularism at stake
Brittas framed the Bill as part of a broader Hindutva agenda aimed at dismantling India’s secular institutions.
He warned, “If it happens to Muslims today, tomorrow, other minorities are also under threat.” Highlighting this as a defining moment, he urged citizens to recognize the Bill’s potential to damage communal harmony and constitutional principles.
He applauded the Opposition's cohesion, even as some BJP allies broke ranks to oppose the Bill. Notably, he praised Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Congress Party and Telangana’s BRS for taking a principled stand despite their past ambivalence.
Also read: Will govt retain South’s 24% Lok Sabha share post-delimitation? John Brittas asks
Critique of selective appointments
A key point Brittas raised was the inconsistency in religious board compositions. “If you don’t have a non-Hindu in any of the Devaswom or temple trusts, why do you insist on a non-Muslim in the waqf or Central Waqf Council?” he asked.
He also pointed out the discriminatory application of laws like the Act of Limitation, which applies to waqf properties but not to Devasthan properties.
The MP accused the government of attempting to “divide even the gods”, illustrating how policy decisions are skewed to disadvantage Muslim institutions. “This is part of the Hindutva project that is on,” Brittas cautioned.
Also read: CPI(M) MP John Brittas denies settling secretariat siege against Chandy in 2013
Munambam controversy and media vilification
Brittas also touched upon the Munambam controversy, denouncing attempts to sow discord between Muslims and Christians in Kerala. He reiterated that the Kerala government had committed to not evicting genuine residents and criticized the narrative being built around the issue.
He voiced concern over media suppression and censorship, especially around the film "Embram". “Despite making cuts, and subjecting themselves to humiliation, they are not being spared,” Brittas said, slamming the use of enforcement agencies to target filmmakers.
Dig at Suresh Gopi and Gandhi family
Brittas made a veiled yet pointed remark about BJP MP Suresh Gopi’s response in Parliament. Comparing him to actors needing a script, he said, “In politics also, somebody needs to write a good script for him... without a script, he is seen to be making incoherent statements.”
He expressed disappointment at Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi’s absence during crucial moments of the debate. “I was disillusioned by the fact that he (Rahul) couldn’t contribute,” Brittas said, and criticized Priyanka’s silence given her new role as MP from the Muslim-dominated Wayanad.
Also read: No speech from treasury benches complete without Ayodhya, PM: CPM MP Brittas
A call for solidarity and political awareness
Reiterating the CPM’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, Brittas criticized India's recent stance on Israel. “The hour of crisis for Palestinians demands forthright solidarity,” he said, expressing concern over India’s abstentions at the UN and its growing closeness to Israel.
On journalism, Brittas reflected philosophically: “Whenever journalism lost the political soul, that has actually dented the journalist.”
He emphasized that both journalism and politics must remain committed to the people, adding, “More than a journalist, I can express much more vehemently and profoundly my position.”
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