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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan passes away
Thiruvananthapuram: Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, affectionately known as Comrade VS to his partymen and beyond, died at a private hospital here on Monday at the age of 101. The firebrand leader, whose life's story is also the socio-political history of Kerala, was on a life support system for the last 28 days, and he breathed his last at 3.20pm. He was hospitalised following a massive heart attack on June 23, and true to his nature, put up a tough fight against odds. His trusted lieutenants, who were camping at the hospital, believed until the last moment that he was coming back to life. However, on Monday, his health deteriorated, and the blood pressure went low. The doctors passed the message to his family members, and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself rushed to the hospital to catch a glimpse of the last surviving founder leader of the CPM . The funeral will be held in Alappuzha's 'Valiya Chudukadu' on Wednesday evening, after public homage at AKG Centre on Monday evening and Secretariat Durbar Hall in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday and Alappuzha Town Hall on Wednesday. The demise of Achuthanandan, a staunch Marxist known for his sharp rhetoric, anti-corruption stance and unwavering commitment to social justice, marks the end of an unparalleled era. He demonstrated through his life that it was no different from struggle. Few politicians in the country must have aged as wisely and fondly as Achuthanandan did. A gifted demagogue and a crowd-puller, he was a born rebel with a rare clarity on the causes he stood for. He worked as the conscience keeper of the CPM until old age weakened him completely. VS shot to fame as a crusader against corruption, a green activist, and a humanist during the final phase of his over 80 years of active political career. Unlike many other cult figures carefully crafted by the CPM, the popularity of VS was more incidental, and it baffled and irritated his own party honchos, whom he openly criticised for being crafty revisionists in the age of liberalisation. Born to Velikkakathu Sankaran and Akkamma on Oct 20, 1923, near Punnapra, Alappuzha, Achuthanandan lost his mother when he was four and his father at 11. He ended his formal education in the seventh grade as there were no means for even a meal a day. The "chovan" (Ezhava) boy also had to face taunts from the upper-caste children. He was only 21 years old when he was deputed to organise farm workers and labourers in Kuttanad. He joined the State Congress in 1939, before becoming a member of the Communist Party a year later. He was jailed for over five years during the post-Independence years, besides being forced to spend over four years underground to evade arrest. In 1957, with the formation of the first govt, Achuthanandan emerged as a prominent state leader. The party split in 1964, battles against policy changes, conflicts, and intense factional struggles, along with his shock defeat in Mararikulam, all intertwined Kerala politics with him. He was India's first communist leader from a working-class background to rise to the office of the chief minister in 2006. He was the CPM state secretary from 1980 to 1992. He was elected to the assembly four times and twice served as the opposition leader. In the 1996 election, he suffered a shock defeat in Mararikulam. He was always ready to put up a fight against what he perceived as ideological departure and revisionism in the CPM. In this fight, he earned the support of fellow comrades in the party. However, Achuthanandan never went the extra mile to protect the interests of his supporters, and as a result, many leaders deserted his camp or got ousted from the party. He could still find new supporters and new causes. In this process, he was mostly accused of giving weapons to party opponents. Even while raising the banner of revolt against party leadership, VS believed that he had no existence separate from the CPM and was ready to face disciplinary action from the party committees. Achuthanandan was the first politician in Kerala to identify the potential of green politics, and he meticulously fought against land grab and large-scale paddy reclamation. While serving as the opposition leader, he ardently fought for justice for victims in some of the infamous sexual harassment cases involving politicians and film stars. He was instrumental in former minister R Balakrishna Pillai getting a jail term in connection with a corruption case. Within the party, he publicly objected to the CPM's overtures to communal forces, including the IUML, PDP, and INL. His open squabbles with the then party state secretary, Pinarayi Vijayan, cost him a place in the politburo. But setbacks and humiliations could not inflict any lasting effect on him. No wonder left intellectual Prof M N Vijayan once accused VS of 'feeding on defeat'! The indomitable spirit of VS was visible even in his 90s when he appointed a tutor to teach him Hindi after he was appointed the administrative reforms committee chairman.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Kerala will be Muslim majority by 2040: How a claim got non-BJP parties sparring
In Kerala, the non-BJP parties seem to be engaging what they accuse the BJP of resorting to. This came after a claim by an influential community leader that "Muslims will become a majority in Kerala by 2040". The remarks by Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of the social service body representing the politically influential Ezhava community, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, sparked a fierce political row, pitting the non-BJP parties against each who also alleged that Muslim community leaders exert undue influence over Kerala's governance, drew widespread condemnation from the opposition Congress and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), reported news agency the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is believed to have the backing of the SNDP, distanced itself from Natesan's remarks, and faced accusations of complicity. The Congress alleged that Natesan's statements align with Kerala Chief Minister and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan's political 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 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 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 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 Narayana Guru's reformist ideals led to the formation of the SNDP to uplift the Ezhava community, which is classified among the OBCs in 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 claimed, "Muslims will soon become the majority in Kerala," citing former CM VS Achuthanandan's alleged prediction about the demographic further asserted that Muslim leaders, including Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, wield significant influence over state current situation is such that the state government should just listen to Kanthapuram and govern," Natesan 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 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 IUML SLAM NATESAN'S MUSLIM-MAJORITY CLAIMThe Congress, which leads the opposing UDF, was swift to condemn Natesan's 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 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 groups, including the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, also condemned Natesan'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 party's state secretariat urged the SNDP Yogam to adhere to the secular and progressive values of Sree Narayana Guru, the founder of the organisations are free to raise any issue concerning the people, but it should not create religious divisions and hate, reported The CM Pinarayi Vijayan's past defence of Natesan may offer some insight into the CPI(M)'s 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 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
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Natesan renews attack on IUML
Kochi: A day after making remarks against the Muslim community that drew sharp criticism from various quarters, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan continued to stir political controversy—showing no signs of backtracking. Speaking at a felicitation event organised by the SNDP Yogam Kochi Union in Palluruthy to mark his 30 years as general secretary, Natesan targeted the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), accusing religious groups and scholars of interfering in the state's governance. Mocking IUML, Natesan said it was ironic that a religious organisation is referred to as a secular party. "Muslim League means a Muslim union; all its members, including MLAs and MPs, are Muslims. Yet they claim to be secular. Jawaharlal Nehru once called the Muslim League a 'dead horse.' Later, Muhammad Koya called it a 'sleeping lion.' He was right. After lying dormant, they united, gained strength and are now an unbeatable force in Kerala," he said. "Today, their announcements can determine who will rule Kerala. Political parties are afraid and trembling. If I say we are living under religious rule rather than in a democracy, what is wrong with that?" Natesan asked. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ACE Nest Yamuna Expressway – Affordable Luxury Awaits Ace Noida Book Now Undo He also claimed he was being unfairly targeted and would continue to speak the truth, even if criticised by religious leaders such as Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar. "Those who speak of caste constantly and work to protect it are calling me casteist. That is the irony," he said. He added that his comments were not against the Muslim community but against religious interference in politics. He also alleged that despite forming a significant part of the population, the Ezhava and Hindu communities are often overlooked by govts and not treated as equal citizens. Opposition leader V D Satheesan strongly condemned Natesan's remarks, urging community leaders to avoid divisive statements. Speaking to the media in Kochi, Satheesan said the SNDP leader's words contradict the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru. "He is promoting ideas the Guru explicitly warned against," Satheesan said, further alleging that Natesan was echoing chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's narrative. "This is a script written by the chief minister himself," he claimed. Speaking at Natesan's a felicitation event. minister V N Vasavan lauded his role in transforming SNDP into a strong organization. BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar also praised Natesan, commending his contributions to both the community and the state.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress-IUML mounts pressure on Kerala government to hold Vellappally Natesan accountable for stoking religious schism
The Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) sought to mount pressure on the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government on Sunday (July 20, 2025) to hold Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan accountable for allegedly stoking religious schisms in society through 'communal and caste grievance-weighted hate speeches.' Almost synchronously, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] appeared to scramble to distance itself from the Hindu backward class organisation leader's contentious remarks. It seemed not lost on the CPI(M) that Mr. Natesan headed the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-backed Renaissance Protection Samiti (RPS), a collective formed in 2019 ostensibly to further progressive and secular values to counter a perceived right-wing drift towards identity politics in Kerala society. The CPI(M) State secretariat urged the SNDP Yogam leadership to pursue the humanist, progressive, and secular values expounded by social reformer and Renaissance leader Sree Narayana Guru. The CPI(M) stated that social organisations were free to raise any issue concerning the people. However, it should not be in a manner that created religious divisions and hate. Chandrika flays Natesan The fraught relationship between the IUML-Congress leadership and Mr. Natesan appeared to fray further on Sunday, with IUML mouthpiece Chandrika criticising Mr. Natesan for allegedly spewing 'communal venom to claw back socio-political relevance.' Mr. Natesan had invited the UDF leadership's ire by remarking on Saturday that both the ruling front and the Opposition were uniformly beholden to the Muslim community, given its 'growing electoral and economic heft.' He said both fronts were hostages to minority vote bank politics. He had alleged that the IUML planned to expand its presence to central and south Kerala by demanding more seats in the regions in the 2026 Assembly polls, possibly with an eye on the Chief Minister's post. IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty emphasised that it was the responsibility of the LDF government to act against individuals who exploited the bully pulpit of influential social organisations to cause communal divisions in Kerala's secular society. Nevertheless, he avoided addressing the question of whether the police should charge Mr. Natesan with creating enmity between different sets of people and instead placed the burden on the government to 'determine the proper course of action.' Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan alleged that Mr. Natesan raised dog whistle issues such as caste and religion at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He accused the CPI(M) of sending a subtly aimed political message through Mr. Natesan to galvanise the majority community votes by othering minorities. Mr. Satheesan accused the CPI(M) of sacrificing secularism at the altar of political expediency. Mr. Natesan stated that some quarters sought to quell the Ezhava communities' 'struggle for social, economic, and political justice' by cherry-picking Sree Narayana Guru's teachings. He said he was 'willing to go to jail for speaking social truths.'
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
CPI(M) hits out at SNDP leader for remarks against minorities
Agency: PTI Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 20 (PTI) The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala urged people to remain vigilant against any attempts—by anyone—to 'undermine" the state's secular fabric. Without naming Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, who had launched a scathing attack on minority communities for allegedly 'grabbing the opportunities meant for backward classes", a CPI(M) state secretariat statement said the Left Front government was committed to addressing the grievances of all sections of society. 'Social justice and secularism are the foundation of the government's policy," the statement added. Natesan's speeches—at Kottayam on Saturday and Kochi on Sunday—have drawn widespread criticism from various political parties. Speaking at a felicitation event in Kochi to mark his 30 years as SNDP general secretary, Natesan said he would continue to speak about social justice and 'the neglect of the backward Ezhava community", despite opposition from minority leaders. State Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan, who inaugurated the event, praised Natesan for his 'historic achievements" during his tenure. 'Only in a secular society can people of all faiths—and those with none—function democratically," it added. The LDF government's welfare programmes aim to address the challenges faced by the poorer sections across all communities, it further said. The Communist Party has drawn inspiration from Kerala's renaissance movements and has worked to ensure social justice, the statement added. The SNDP, founded by Sree Narayana Guru, upheld the principle that the essence of all religions is the same. 'The organisation should move forward in a manner that protects secularism. Anyone can raise the issues of a particular community, but not in a way that incites religious animosity," the statement stressed. Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan also strongly criticised Natesan's remarks, stating that any attempt to divide society must be opposed. Speaking in Kochi, Satheesan said Natesan's comments 'went against the very ideals upheld" by SNDP founder Sree Narayana Guru. 'Community leaders should avoid statements that create divisions among people," he claimed. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty also condemned Natesan's 'unwarranted" remarks against minorities. He urged the state government to examine Natesan's statements and take appropriate action. PTI MVG MVG SSK view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
