CPI(M) distances itself from controversial remarks as pressure builds on LDF government to take action
Vellapally Natesan. | Photo Credit: Vipin Chandran via Hindu
Thiruvananthapuram, July 21, 2025 —
The Congress party and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have demanded action against SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, accusing him of making divisive and communal remarks that could harm Kerala's social unity.
Natesan, who also heads the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-backed Renaissance Protection Samiti (RPS), is under fire for allegedly delivering hate speeches that highlight caste and religious grievances. The RPS was formed in 2019 to promote secular and progressive values in response to the growing influence of right-wing politics in Kerala.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], which leads the LDF, has quickly distanced itself from Natesan’s remarks. In a statement, the party’s state leadership called on the SNDP Yogam to follow the humanist and inclusive philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru, the 19th-century social reformer whose teachings inspired the organisation.
The CPI(M) added that while social groups have the right to speak on public issues, their words must not lead to religious hatred or division in society.
IUML Media Slams Natesan
The IUML’s official newspaper, Chandrika, strongly criticised Natesan on Sunday, accusing him of trying to regain political relevance by spreading communal messages. The controversy started after Natesan said on Saturday that both the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF (United Democratic Front) were overly dependent on the Muslim community for votes and financial support.
Natesan also claimed that the IUML was pushing to expand its influence in central and southern Kerala by asking for more seats in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, possibly aiming for the Chief Minister’s post.
Leaders Respond
IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty said it was the responsibility of the LDF government to act against people who misuse their position in social organisations to create divisions in society. However, he did not comment directly on whether police action should be taken against Natesan under hate speech laws. Instead, he said the government must decide the right course of action.
V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, went a step further, claiming that Natesan made such statements on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Satheesan accused the CPI(M) of trying to win votes from the majority Hindu community by alienating minorities and abandoning secular values for political gain.
Natesan Defends Himself
In response to the backlash, Natesan said he was simply standing up for the Ezhava community’s fight for political and economic justice. He accused his critics of selectively using Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings to silence his views. “I’m ready to go to jail for speaking the truth about society,” he said.
This latest controversy highlights the growing political tensions in Kerala as the 2026 Assembly elections draw closer. With both ruling and opposition parties taking strong positions, the role of community organisations like SNDP Yogam and their influence on the political landscape is once again under scrutiny.