Varkala, Dec 31 (NationPress) - Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan, a prominent figure among Kerala’s community leaders, asserted on Wednesday that the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan is set to regain power in the upcoming Assembly elections. This statement stirred a political controversy as Natesan displayed frustration during a media interaction regarding his comments about Malappuram district.

The incident unfolded when reporters pressed him for clarification on his assertion that the SNDP does not operate any educational institutions in Malappuram or other regions of Malabar.

During the press briefing following the Sivagiri Theerthadanam Mahasammelanam, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Natesan reacted with irritation to the persistent inquiries.

In a moment of agitation, he pushed away the microphone of a television journalist and attempted to seize it, prompting security personnel to intervene to calm the situation.

Beginning his address with a political tone, Natesan confidently stated that the Pinarayi Vijayan government would indeed return to power.

He defended his association with the Chief Minister, questioning the criticism of sharing a vehicle with him, and hinted that similar objections would not arise if the person were from an “upper caste”.

His comments were interpreted as evidence of his long-standing amicable relationship with Vijayan, contrasting with his more complicated history with former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan.

Natesan then launched a pointed critique of the CPI, accusing its leaders of betrayal for their critical stance towards the government after being part of the ruling coalition for ten years.

Following these remarks, reporters inquired about his comments regarding Malappuram.

In response, Natesan affirmed that it is indeed true that the SNDP has no educational facilities in Malappuram, Wayanad, or Kasaragod.

While acknowledging the availability of land, he stated the organization had not obtained the necessary government approvals.

When pressed on whether efforts had been made in the past nine years to rectify this, he exhibited clear agitation, leading to the confrontation with the media.

Natesan, a leader of the influential Ezhava community for nearly three decades, is recognized for his forthright and confrontational political demeanor.

Although he has frequently criticized Congress leaders, his political stance has garnered attention due to his son, Tushar Vellappally, heading the BDJS, the second-largest ally of the BJP-led NDA in Kerala.

Despite this coalition, the national leadership of the BJP has yet to offer Tushar a seat in the Rajya Sabha or a ministerial role.

Interestingly, Natesan recently expressed dissatisfaction with the BDJS's partnership with the BJP, claiming that after years of association, “nothing has come out of it except worn-out footwear”—a statement that highlights growing discontent within the alliance and adds context to his recent outburst.