Despite intense backlash from Muslim organisations, SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan has once again raised strong concerns over what he describes as growing Islamic religious dominance and political interference in Kerala under the influence of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML or Muslim League), and other Muslim organisations.
Reaffirming his Earlier Statement
Reiterating that religious leaders aligned with the IUML are now effectively ruling Kerala, Natesan said, “Nehru once called the Muslim League a dead horse, and C. H. Muhammed Koya, former Chief Minister of Kerala, referred to it as a sleeping lion. Today, it has risen to power and influence.” He was speaking during the branch leadership meeting of the Aluva SNDP Union held at the Aluva Advaita Ashram recently.
Threat Posed By Love Jihad
Natesan also drew attention to the rise of Love Jihad. “Love Jihad is a threat to national integrity, says Haryana Court, sentencing accused Shahbaz to seven years jail term.” He further said that even the ruling Left Democratic Front is forced to yield before the IUML.
“In addition to their stronghold in Malabar (Northern Kerala), they are now demanding four seats in Central Kerala. Their ultimate goal is to win up to 25 seats and claim the Chief Minister’s post,” he said. Targeting the IUML, Natesan said, “Those who came to the feast were family members and family members were outsiders.”
Lamenting the lack of accountability in Kerala, Natesan said, “No political party has the courage to question the actions of the so-called minority community”. He questioned whether these same parties, which are now openly criticising him, would dare to respond in the same manner if a similar statement came from within the Muslim community. Natesan further stated that religious scholars are attacking him as if “coming out with swords.” He called for the inclusion of an Economic Survey alongside any proposed caste survey, arguing that socio-economic realities must also be taken into account.
His recent remark that Kerala is on the verge of becoming a Muslim-majority State sparked widespread controversy. Reiterating this claim, Natesan pointed out that former CPI(M) Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan had earlier warned of the same, stating it would not even take 40 years for such a demographic shift to occur. Vellappally concluded by declaring that Kerala is no longer functioning as a democracy, but has effectively become a “religious dictatorship.”
In a show of support, Hindu Aikya Vedi backed Natesan’s remarks. Its State President, R.V. Babu said that Vellappally’s claim of a religious dictatorship replacing democratic governance in Kerala reflects a current and pressing reality. Babu expressed concern over the rapid demographic changes in the State and warned of serious long-term consequences. He noted that the projection of Kerala becoming a Muslim-majority State by 2040 must be taken seriously. Babu also criticised the political establishment, claiming that a religious group with just 30 per cent of the population is trying to hijack democracy while both ruling and opposition parties act according to their demands. He echoed Natesan’s concern that the other communities, despite its size, are being marginalised and are only visible in schemes like the Employment Guarantee Programme.
