New Delhi: Vehemently opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas accused the government of deliberately dividing people. He asserted that if the government truly believed in the Constitution, it should withdraw the Bill. During his speech, Brittas also made references to Munambam and the BJP in Kerala, taking a veiled swipe at actor-politician and BJP MP Suresh Gopi.

Brittas remarked that a character from Empuraan, named Munna, could be found among the BJP members in the House. He then declared: “We have kept your venom out of Kerala. However, one person has managed to win, but soon that account will also be closed.” This comment, widely interpreted as a reference to Suresh Gopi’s Lok Sabha victory, provoked a sharp reaction from the BJP MP.

Excerpts from John Brittas’ Speech:
"Last year alone, there were nearly 700 attacks on Christians. In Manipur, they burnt down over 200 churches. These people have suddenly started talking about Christians and Munambam for the past two or three days. Can we forget Stan Swamy? A man suffering from Parkinson’s disease, unable to even drink a drop of water without assistance, crying out for a straw—wasn’t he left to die in jail? Can we forget Graham Staines? Wasn’t he burned alive along with his children? Even today, attacks continue."

"The Bible has a character who betrayed Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. Some people here are just like that. A few days ago, certain individuals spoke about the cross and Christians, but in reality, they are like Judas, who betrayed Christ."

"Recently, we spoke about a film—Empuraan. There is a character in that film named Munna. Do you know who Munna is? You can see him right here—on the BJP benches. The people of Kerala will recognise this Munna. That is the history of Kerala. We have kept your venom out of our state. Yes, one person has won, but just as we shut down the Nemam account, we will soon close this account too. A mistake happened in Kerala, but we will correct it soon—no need to worry."

This remark was a clear allusion to Suresh Gopi’s victory from Thrissur, making him the first BJP MP from Kerala.

Assurance on Munambam:
Brittas also assured the people of Munambam: "No one in Munambam will lose their home. This is a commitment from the Left government. If we have the strength and sincerity to build homes for five lakh homeless people, we also have the responsibility to protect the people of Munambam. We will do it. We do not need anyone’s sympathy. Just as no mosque in Kerala will be forcefully covered or shut down, no place of worship will be hidden away. No one will have to live in fear. We will ensure an atmosphere of brotherhood in Kerala. It exists, and we know how to maintain it. You may shed crocodile tears for Christians now, but understand that the people of Kerala can see through your deception."

Criticism of BJP’s communal politics:
Brittas accused the BJP of hypocrisy, highlighting the plight of displaced people in the country: "You keep repeating ‘Munambam, Munambam’ while pushing this Bill. But in North India, you displaced tens of thousands of people. Over 50,000 people in Manipur are now refugees. Many have fled the country. You have nothing to say about them. You destroyed numerous churches. You are Munnan from Empuraan. But the people of Kerala have the strength to recognise these Munnans among you."
Brittas concluded with a direct appeal: "If you truly believe in the Indian Constitution, withdraw this Bill. If you want communal harmony, if you believe in treating all people and all faiths equally, then withdraw this Bill."