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India Today
7 hours 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
10 hours 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.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CPM bats for minority rights
Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretariat distanced itself from statements made by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan against Muslim community. In a statement issued on Sunday, the secretariat said, "While anyone may raise community issues, it must not be done in a way that incites religious hatred. " SNDP, founded by Sree Narayana Guru—who upheld the unity of religions—should adopt positions that promote secularism, the statement said. The party stressed that safeguarding minority rights is essential to preserving secularism. Only in a secular society, it said, can people of all faiths and non-believers live and function democratically. The govt, it noted, is committed to hearing the concerns of all communities and addressing them through missions, welfare schemes and poverty alleviation programmes that benefit the poor across all sections. Kerala's renaissance movements played a major role in advancing social progress. CPM said it has continued that legacy by embracing the social justice values of those movements, while protecting and uplifting marginalized communities. The party pointed out that efforts to communalize society aligns with corporate interests. The state's secular fabric, it said, can only be preserved by firmly resisting all forms of communalism.
New Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Vellappally under fire for remarks on Muslim population, but remains unfazed
KOCHI: Vellappally Natesan drew flak from all corners on Sunday for his remarks suggesting that the Muslim community was leveraging its growing population to dominate the state's administration. However, an unrelenting SNDP Yogam general secretary asserted that he would continue to speak for social justice, 'even if Kanthapuram (A P Aboobacker Musliyar) throws a spear at me.' Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan came down heavily on Vellappally, calling his remarks divisive and contrary to the ideals of Sree Narayana Guru. 'Kerala is home to people who respect the teachings of the Guru. What the SNDP general secretary is propagating is diametrically opposite to the Guru's teachings. These are not his (Vellappally's) words, they are being planted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other CPM leaders,' Satheesan told reporters. The Opposition will firmly resist any campaign that spreads hatred or division, Satheesan said, adding it was no coincidence that such statements emerged just as the government faced public criticism over issues in the health and higher education sectors. Vellappally's contentious statement came on Saturday at a meeting of SNDP union leaders in Kottayam. He claimed that Muslims would soon become the majority in Kerala and that the government would then have no choice but to 'listen to Kanthapuram and govern accordingly.' The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also lashed out, likening Vellappally to hardline Hindutva leaders. In a scathing editorial, its official organ Chandrika called Vellappally the 'Kerala Togadia'.
News18
a day 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.
