Did IUML Condemn Vellappally Natesan's Communal Remarks?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Vellappally Natesan's recent speech has ignited a fierce backlash from IUML, branding him as Kerala's Togadia. As he raises alarms about a potential Muslim-majority state, the political ramifications are significant. What does this mean for communal harmony in Kerala?
Key Takeaways
- Vellappally Natesan's speech incited significant controversy.
- IUML's strong response indicates rising tensions.
- Misquoting past leaders can distort public perception.
- Communal harmony in Kerala is under scrutiny.
- Political dynamics may shift due to these remarks.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 20 (NationPress) - The General Secretary of SNDP Yogam, Vellappally Natesan, has sparked a new wave of controversy through a speech laden with communal overtones. This has led to a fierce response from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has dubbed him “Kerala’s Togadia”, a nod to Praveen Togadia known for his provocative and anti-Muslim comments.
During a leadership meeting of SNDP in Kottayam on Saturday, Vellappally asserted that Kerala is on the verge of becoming a Muslim-majority state.
He went on to accuse both the ruling LDF and opposition UDF of catering to the Muslim community, claiming that the state government requires consent from Malappuram district for even minor decisions like altering school timings or introducing Zumba classes.
He manipulated a decade-old statement from senior CPM leader V.S. Achuthanandan to back his claims. Achuthanandan had, back in 2012, cautioned that the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) aimed to radicalize Kerala, but Vellappally misquoted him to imply that even a past chief minister foresaw a Muslim-majority scenario in Kerala.
BJP national executive member Amit Malviya also circulated a cropped snippet of Achuthanandan's comment online.
This is not the first occasion Vellappally has faced backlash for his remarks concerning Malappuram.
Just two months prior, he described the district as operating like an independent nation, dominated by a single community, making it challenging for others to voice their opinions.
While IUML had previously dismissed his earlier comments, they have reacted strongly this time.
In an editorial in Chandrika, the party's publication, Vellappally was criticized for spreading communal discord, stating, “He disseminates communal venom more liberally than Praveen Togadia. It appears there is competition between him and the individual from Poonjar (referring to P.C. George) to see who can emerge as the most divisive voice in Kerala. The police and government seem apathetic.”
The editorial also condemned Vellappally’s claim that, while two wards were eliminated in Alappuzha during delimitation, four were added in Malappuram.
He accused IUML of now aspiring for the Chief Minister’s post after initially seeking the Deputy Chief Minister's role. The IUML firmly responded, “Wasn’t C.H. Mohammed Koya a Muslim Chief Minister? Who claims a Muslim can’t occupy that position? These statements clearly indicate majoritarian communal sentiment.”
Point of View
It's crucial to approach these narratives with a balanced lens. While communal tensions can escalate from such remarks, it is equally important to foster dialogue and understanding in a diverse society. Only through responsible discourse can we navigate the complexities of communal identities in India.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vellappally Natesan?
Vellappally Natesan is the General Secretary of SNDP Yogam, a socio-cultural organization in Kerala.
What did Vellappally Natesan say?
He made a controversial speech suggesting that Kerala is on the verge of becoming a Muslim-majority state, which drew backlash from IUML.
How did IUML respond?
IUML condemned his remarks, referring to him as 'Kerala's Togadia' and criticized his communal rhetoric.
What historical context did Vellappally reference?
He cited a statement from former chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan, albeit out of context, to support his claims.
What are the implications of his speech?
Such remarks can heighten communal tensions and affect societal harmony in Kerala.
