Kerala will be Muslim majority by 2040: How a claim got non-BJP parties sparring
The Congress alleged that Natesan's statements align with Kerala Chief Minister and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan's political strategy.The CPI(M)'s cautious approach to the row reflects its need to retain Ezhava support ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections while maintaining its secular image. In Kerala, where the Left and the Congress have alternated in power, the CPM-led LDF is facing a 10-year anti-incumbency.Undeterred by the attacks from the Congress and IUML, Natesan stood his ground."Even if Kanthapuram (AP Aboobacker Musliyar, who reportedly got the Yemeni government to delay Nimisha Priya's death sentence) "hurls a spear" at me, I will not stop speaking out for social justice", The New Indian Express quoted Natesan as saying.Former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday, had in 2022 claimed that Muslim extremist groups in the state were plotting to turn Kerala into a Muslim-majority state within 20 years.The SNDP Yogam represents the Ezhava community, which constitutes approximately 25% of Kerala's population, and his son, Thushar Vellappally, leads the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), a political party part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala.Sree Narayana Guru's reformist ideals led to the formation of the SNDP to uplift the Ezhava community, which is classified among the OBCs in Kerala.NATESAN WARNS OF KERALA TURNING MUSLIM-MAJORITY STATESpeaking at a state-level branch leadership meeting of SNDP Yogam in Kottayam on July 19, Natesan said that Kerala was on the path to becoming a Muslim-majority state.He claimed, "Muslims will soon become the majority in Kerala," citing former CM VS Achuthanandan's alleged prediction about the demographic claim.Natesan further asserted that Muslim leaders, including Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, wield significant influence over state governance.advertisement"The current situation is such that the state government should just listen to Kanthapuram and govern," Natesan alleged.He accused both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of pandering to Muslim interests, alleging that no government decision is implemented without Malappuram's endorsement, a Muslim-majority district, The New Indian Express reported.Natesan also claimed that the IUML was eyeing the Kerala CM's post in the 2026 Assembly elections."Alappuzha lost two constituencies, while Malappuram gained four," Natesan said, suggesting a shift in political power towards Muslim-dominated areas. He argued that the Ezhava community had been marginalised.CONGRESS, IUML SLAM NATESAN'S MUSLIM-MAJORITY CLAIMThe Congress, which leads the opposing UDF, was swift to condemn Natesan's remarks.Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan accused Natesan of "acting at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan", alleging that his statements reflect the CPI(M)'s strategy to polarise voters."The SNDP Yogam general secretary has echoed what the CPI(M) leaders in Kerala speak against Malappuram and what the Chief Minister had stated in Delhi through public relations agencies. This hate speech is against the philosophy of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru," Satheesan said.advertisementThe Congress leader argued that Natesan's remarks aimed to create societal division. Satheesan further accused the CPI(M) of sacrificing secularism for political expediency, using Natesan to galvanise majority community votes by "othering minorities".The IUML, a key Congress ally in Kerala, reacted sharply to Natesan's allegations. IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty labeled Natesan's comments as "brazen communal remarks" and accused the LDF government of complicity, stating, "It is the responsibility of the LDF government to act against individuals who exploit influential social organisations to cause communal divisions".IUML Malappuram general secretary Abdul Hameed MLA called for legal action against Natesan for inciting enmity.Other groups, including the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, also condemned Natesan's claims.CPM's BALANCING ACT: SOCIAL BODIES FREE TO SPEAK, BUT MUST AVOID HATEThe CPI(M), which traditionally enjoys support from the Ezhava community, found itself in a precarious position.The party's state secretariat urged the SNDP Yogam to adhere to the secular and progressive values of Sree Narayana Guru, the founder of the body.Social organisations are free to raise any issue concerning the people, but it should not create religious divisions and hate, reported The Hindu.Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's past defence of Natesan may offer some insight into the CPI(M)'s stance.advertisementIn April, when Natesan described the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district as a "separate nation", Vijayan defended him, claiming his remarks were directed at "a political party" (implying the IUML) rather than a community.Vellappally Natesan's claim that Kerala will become a Muslim-majority state by 2040 has ignited a political storm, which exposes tensions among non-BJP parties in a state showcased for non-communal politics. With the Congress and the IUML accusing the CPI(M) of tacitly endorsing Natesan's rhetoric, the ruling party's delicate balancing act, given the Ezhavas have of late drifted towards the BJP (a result of the alliance with BDJS), shows a complex interplay of caste, religion, and politics in Kerala now.- Ends
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