NSS Endorses SNDP's Hindu Unity Appeal as Kerala Elections Approach
With Kerala's assembly elections just three months away, community organizations are actively positioning themselves. In a significant development, the Nair Service Society leadership publicly supported the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam's call for Hindu unity on Sunday. NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair described this unity as an urgent necessity for the state.
Setting Aside Differences for Common Goals
Nair explicitly backed SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan's recent statements. He emphasized the importance of moving past historical disagreements between the two influential groups. Nair confirmed he had taken note of Natesan's remarks and indicated that a formal decision would follow a scheduled meeting on January 21.
The NSS leader clarified that past rifts stemmed from reservation issues, not conflicts with the Muslim League. He adopted a conciliatory tone toward Natesan, stating, "We forgave whatever Vellappally said against me. He leads a significant movement, and we must acknowledge that. I am not claiming he was faultless, but we harbor no parliamentary ambitions. Our purpose is not to engage in fights."
Denying Political Motivations
Nair firmly rejected allegations that any political party orchestrated this move. He reiterated NSS's policy of maintaining political equidistance and insisted the development was unrelated to the upcoming elections. He dismissed the controversy over Natesan traveling in the chief minister's car as "childish," noting Natesan owned cars before his critics did. Nair warned that such petty issues could harm the Congress party's prospects.
Sharp Criticism of Congress Leaders
Nair recalled opposition leader V D Satheesan visiting him before the last assembly elections to seek support. "I contacted the NSS union president in Paravur to ensure Satheesan's victory," Nair revealed. "Now they advise against associating with community leaders." He strongly criticized Satheesan, questioning his right to speak against communalism given his meetings with bishops. "His actions should align with his words," Nair asserted.
He accused the Congress of giving Satheesan excessive freedom, asking, "Doesn't Congress have a president? Why does Satheesan comment on every issue?" Regarding senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, Nair acknowledged his competence but questioned his potential benefits as chief minister for their community.
Warning to BJP and Meeting with Congress Leader
Nair issued a clear warning to BJP MP Suresh Gopi, stating that winning NSS support would be far more challenging than his Thrissur victory. He noted Gopi's limited visits to NSS headquarters and questioned BJP's Hindu credentials, highlighting the LDF government's Sabarimala corrections compared to BJP's inaction.
In a related development, KPCC working president Kodikunnil Suresh met Nair at the NSS headquarters in Chaganasserry on Sunday night. The Mavelikkara MP described it as a courtesy call and declined further comments.
