Key Facts
Vellappally Natesan, general secretary of the SNDP Yogam, has launched a sharp attack on the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and its allies in the United Democratic Front (UDF). In a signed editorial in the organisation's mouthpiece, he accused the IUML of being a communal party disguised as secular. He also took aim at the Left Democratic Front (LDF), blaming its electoral defeat on neglecting its core Ezhava support base.
Details of the Attack
In his editorial, Natesan reiterated his pre-election charge that the IUML is a 'true blue communal party wearing a secular garb'. He warned that divisive forces were targeting the SNDP Yogam and that political parties in power were nurturing a communal outfit. He alleged that the appointment of personal staff by IUML ministers indicated the party would 'behave communally once in power'. Natesan also flagged a socio-political plot to 'hedge in and undermine' the Hindu majority community in Kerala, both 'covertly and overtly'. He referenced Local Self-Governments Minister K.M. Shaji's purported statement that 'religion was paramount' for the IUML, claiming Kerala has not forgotten it.
Political Context
Natesan's latest broadside comes amid growing demands from Congress leaders, including former Speaker V.M. Sudheeran, to reopen investigations against him, including the 'microfinance scam' and the death of his aide K.K. Maheshan. Natesan also criticized the LDF, attributing its defeat to 'courting minorities at the expense of the Left’s Ezhava base', which he called the 'backbone' of the left movement. This follows the CPI(M) state committee's conclusion that Natesan's anti-Muslim rhetoric alienated minorities and contributed to the LDF's historic poll defeat.
Impact and Reactions
Natesan's inflammatory rhetoric against the IUML and personal attacks on opposition leader V.D. Satheesan had already roiled the election campaign. In his editorial, he claimed that 'enemies within the SNDP Yogam community and some television channel owners' were part of a 'conspiratorial cabal' attacking the organisation, inspired by social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The article underscores deepening communal fault lines in Kerala politics.
FAQ
- What did Vellappally Natesan say about IUML? He called IUML a 'true blue communal party wearing a secular garb' and accused it of behaving communally in power.
- Why did Natesan target the IUML now? He alleged divisive forces were attacking SNDP Yogam and that political parties in power were cradling a communal outfit.
- How did Natesan criticize the LDF? He attributed LDF's election defeat to courting minorities at the expense of its Ezhava base.