Did SNDP Veteran Natesan Criticize Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran for Left's Poll Defeat?
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Synopsis
In a bold statement, SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan criticized the outgoing Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, attributing her arrogance to the CPI-M's recent electoral decline. This commentary highlights the changing political landscape and the need for humility in leadership as voter dissatisfaction grows.
Key Takeaways
- Vellappally Natesan criticizes the outgoing Mayor for her governance style.
- The BJP has become the largest party in Thiruvananthapuram.
- The CPI-M faced a significant drop in seats.
- Excessive confidence can negatively impact political leaders.
- Effective communication of achievements is crucial for electoral success.
Alappuzha (Kerala), Dec 18 (NationPress) Vellappally Natesan, General Secretary of SNDP Yogam, sharply criticized outgoing Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran on Thursday, attributing her governance style to the CPI-M's defeat in the recent local body elections in the state capital.
This criticism comes amidst increasing scrutiny within the Left following their lackluster performance.
In a historic shift, the BJP emerged as the largest party, securing 50 seats in the 101-member Corporation. The CPI-M-led Left's representation dropped from 50 to 29, while the Congress-led UDF increased their count from 8 to 19.
Natesan referenced several controversies from Rajendran’s term, using a metaphor to challenge her approach, stating that one should not “writhe before ripening.”
He accused her of allowing arrogance and pride to infiltrate her public demeanor after taking office.
Rajendran gained national attention in 2020 as the youngest Mayor in the country, a milestone the CPI-M heralded as a representation of generational change in governance.
However, Natesan contended that the excessive accolades and political backing ultimately backfired.
“Everyone elevated her, and she became inflated in her confidence. That overconfidence led to setbacks,” said Natesan, who heads the influential social organization of the Hindu Ezhava community.
Emphasizing the need for humility in leadership, he remarked that current political dynamics do not tolerate authoritarianism.
“This is not the past. Those in power must understand how to conduct themselves,” he noted, adding that the Mayor’s demeanor distanced her from parts of the electorate in Thiruvananthapuram.
Natesan asserted that Rajendran’s behavior significantly contributed to the Left's defeat in the corporation elections.
He also highlighted the noticeable increase in the BJP's vote share in the district, indicating that voter dissatisfaction had shifted political allegiances.
The Mayor’s perceived arrogance became a topic of public discourse and ultimately influenced the election results.
Despite the Left's various positive initiatives, Natesan argued that they failed to effectively communicate their accomplishments to the grassroots.
“There was also an element of muscle-flexing. In public life, one must act with respect and kindness towards the populace,” he concluded.
Point of View
The criticism of Arya Rajendran by Vellappally Natesan underscores the intricate relationship between leadership style and electoral outcomes. The evolving political landscape in Kerala calls for introspection within the Left, especially as public sentiment shifts. It is crucial for political figures to remain grounded and connected with their constituents to maintain their electoral relevance.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vellappally Natesan say about Arya Rajendran?
Natesan criticized Rajendran's style of governance, attributing her perceived arrogance to the CPI-M's poor performance in the local body elections.
How did the recent elections impact the political dynamics in Thiruvananthapuram?
The BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 50 seats, while the CPI-M's representation fell significantly, indicating a shift in voter sentiment.
What was Rajendran's significance as Mayor?
Arya Rajendran was noted for being the youngest Mayor in the country, a fact the CPI-M promoted as a sign of generational change in governance.
What does Natesan believe about the conduct of political leaders?
He advocates for humility and respect in public office, stating that arrogance can alienate voters and harm electoral prospects.
