Vellappally Natesan slams Muslim community for efforts to enhance foothold over Kerala
Conducting the State-level inauguration of branch leadership meeting of various SNDP Yogam unions, Mr. Natesan warned that Muslim community would soon become the majority in the State and criticised, what he called, undue interventions by the community in the administrative affairs of the State.
'From school timings to uniform changes, interventions are happening everywhere. This is no longer secularism but religious dominance,' he said. He also pointed out that while the number of constituencies in Hindu-majority regions had been reduced, Malappuram had gained four new seats.
'The Indian Union Muslim League is contesting more seats across the State and, in the next election, will demand even more. They're now eyeing constituencies beyond Malabar. Ultimately, the IUML's aim is the Chief Minister's post,' he alleged.
Mr. Natesan also claimed that no law introduced by the government would take effect unless it was first endorsed in Malappuram. 'When I spoke the truth in Malappuram, I was attacked en masse. Everyone only calmed down after the Chief Minister voiced support. But when the truth is told, it is branded as communal or casteism.'
Reservation issue
Reflecting on the past, he remarked that even though the SNDP Yogam supported Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty in the reservation issue, only the Muslim community benefitted. 'The Ezhavas got nothing. No one talks about social justice anymore. At a time when caste is evident even in names, if Ezhavas speak of caste, it is misrepresented as a distortion of Sree Narayana Guru's vision.'
He went on to claim that Muslims dominated the industrial sector, while Christians had monopolised the education sector. 'Ezhavas are represented only in the employment guarantee scheme. In Kottayam, no new courses are sanctioned for Ezhava-run educational institutions. In fact, across Kerala, the only community-specific institution for Ezhavas is located in Kottayam.'
Community solidarity
Calling for community solidarity, Mr. Natesan said: 'If Ezhavas unite, we have the strength to govern. We can decide who should rule Kerala. Whichever party we join, we must assert our right to representation. In areas where Ezhavas are strong, we must aim to capture political power.'
The event also featured an organisational briefing by SNDP vice-president Thushar Vellappally. Union convener Suresh Parameswaran, vice-chairman Sinil Mundappally and joint convener V. Sashikumar also addressed the gathering.
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