Premium

‘Congress-led UDF win in Kerala will mean Muslim League rule’: Ezhava community leader Vellappally Natesan

The general secretary of the backward Hindu Ezhava community organisation, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, also called for a broader alliance of Hindu and Christian communities in Kerala.

3 min readThiruvananthapuramUpdated: Jan 19, 2026 04:31 AM IST

Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of the backward Hindu Ezhava community organisation, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, also called for a broader alliance of Hindu and Christian communities in Kerala. (Photo: Facebook@Vellappally Natesan)

Stepping up his attack on the Congress-led UDF in Kerala, prominent Ezhava community leader Vellappally Natesan on Saturday claimed that the Indian Union Muslim League, a UDF constituent, would rule the state if the alliance wins the upcoming Assembly election.

The general secretary of the backward Hindu Ezhava community organisation, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, also called for a broader alliance of Hindu and Christian communities in Kerala. Significantly, the upper caste Hindu Nair community group Nair Service Society general secretary G Sukumaran Nair has said his organisation is ready for a discussion with Natesan on unity among Hindus.

Natesan has recently faced flak for his alleged anti-Muslim remarks. He has upped the ante against the UDF a day after senior Congress legislator and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan took a swipe at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for giving Natesan a ride in his official car during the Global Ayyappa Devotee Sangamam last September. At the valedictory function of the Kerala Yatra, led by prominent Muslim cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, Satheesan spoke of the need to keep “hate mongers” away.

“Those who make hate speeches should not be encouraged. Caution should be exercised when we give lift to others in our cars,” he said.

Hitting back against Satheesan and Congress, Natesan, who is known for his pro-CPI(M) stand, told the media, “Satheesan is anti-Ezhava. His problem is that I, a person from the backward community, had got into the car of the Chief Minister who also belongs to the backward community. Satheesan is a person who supports communalism. His tactical line is aimed at the chair of the Chief Minister,” he said.

Natesan said if the UDF comes to power, the IUML would rule the state. “During the last 10 years of the LDF regime, Kerala did not witness any communal riot. The slogan of Hindu unity is gone now. It is time that Hindus, irrespective of their caste, and Christians stand together,” Natesan said.

He also said his organisation would go in harmony with the NSS. “There was a difference of opinion with NSS over the issue of reservation quota. In future, we don’t want to lock horns with NSS. It is the UDF that spoiled the unity between NSS and SNDP Yogam,” he said.

Story continues below this ad

NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair welcomed Natesan’s gesture, but did not make any commitment. “We are ready for a discussion with Natesan,” said Nair, who also denounced Satheesan’s continued attack on the Ezhava leader over his car ride with the Chief Minister.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Indian Union Muslim League

Loading Taboola...