Vellappally Stands By ‘Anti-Muslim’ Remarks As Opposition Pressures Kerala Government (image:facebook.com/V.K.Natesan)
Kerala: SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan’s alleged hate speech against the Muslim community is drawing widespread criticism. However, staying unabated, Natesan emphasised that he would continue to speak for social justice “even if Kanthapuram (Sunni leader Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar) throws a spear at me.”
Vellappally’s continuous contentious statements have generated a political storm in the State. The Opposition has strongly condemned him and is exerting pressure on the ruling Left government to hold him accountable for allegedly fueling communal disharmony through these divisive speeches. Meanwhile, CPI (M) appears to be distancing itself from Natesan’s remarks.
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Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan heavily criticised the Hindu backward class organisation leader’s remarks and stressed that these are contrary to the ideals of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru who founded the SNDP Yogam. He said that Natesan’s speech is against the philosophy of Guru and added that these are not his words and were planted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other CPI(M) leaders.
“The Opposition will question the campaign aimed at creating hate and division in society,” Congress leader added.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also condemned Vellappally’s remarks, accusing the government of being equally complicit. “This is not the first time that Natesan is making such communal statements. The government has to react to this. We cannot agree with such communal statements,” IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said.
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In the Sunday editorial, IUML mouthpiece Chandrika called Vellappally the “Kerala Togadia”.Natesan spreads communal poison more freely even Togadia cannot compete, editorial remarked.
“There is a competition going on between a man from Poonjar ( P C George) and him on who is the worst communal voice in Kerala. “Kerala police and the government remain mute spectators,” editorial added.
