BJP-SNDP bonhomie: VS, Sudheeran fielded to counter Natesan

On Wednesday, CPI (M) veteran and Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan fired another salvo against Natesan. He said Natesan had committed grave irregularities in microfinance scheme of SNDP.

On Wednesday, CPI (M) veteran and Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan fired another salvo against Natesan. He said Natesan had committed grave irregularities in microfinance scheme of SNDP. (Source: YouTube/Amrita)

Worried over the BJP’s growing closeness with Hindu Ezhava outfit Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam ahead of the local body election in Kerala, the CPM and Congress have stepped up the attack on Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan. To take on Natesan, the CPM and Congress have fielded two leaders from the Ezhava community, V S Achuthanandan and V M Sudheeran, respectively.

Meanwhile, hemmed in by political parties and rivals from the Hindu community, Natesan said on Wednesday: “SNDP Yogam has no animosity to any party. Yogam alone will not form any party. We have no links with BJP. The move to float a third front has worried political parties. We also expect Kerala Congress (M), a Christian party, in the new formation.’’

Wednesday also saw CPM veteran and Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan fire yet another salvo against Natesan. He said the Yogam general secretary had committed grave irregularities in the organisation’s microfinance scheme.

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“The finance availed at an interest of two per cent was refinanced at 12 per cent, flouting guidelines. Natesan had pocketed the loan meant for the poor among the Ezhava community. Several agencies have reported to the government regarding the corruption in the Yogam’s microfinance scheme. If the government does not seek a CBI probe into the issue, I would approach the court for the same,’’ said Achuthanandan.

Last week, the veteran CPM leader had alleged that Natesan pocketed Rs 100 crore in the past four years through bribes for appointments to educational institutions run by Ezhava outfits. As Natesan failed to come up with a strong rebuttal, Achuthanandan mounted his attack. On Wednesday, in an article released to media, he blasted Natesan. “I will continue to haunt Natesan till he answers my questions regarding the appointment scam,’’ he said.

State Congress chief V M Sudheeran said Natesan was taking the Yogam away from the principles of Sree Narayana Guru. “Certain leaders are using the community organisations for their vested interest,’’ said Sudheeran. Congress mouthpiece Veekanam slammed Natesan.

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