SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan launched a sharp attack on the Indian Union Muslim League and Congress on Thursday, accusing the parties of regional bias, communal politics, and misuse of political power, amid growing criticism against him following the Kerala local body election results. Speaking to the media in Alappuzha district, Vellappally sought to defend his recent remarks while asserting that he was being deliberately portrayed as a communal figure for questioning what he described as minority appeasement.
Vellappally stated that his criticism was directed solely at the Muslim League as a political party and not at the Muslim community. He argued that the League had evolved into a Malappuram-centric organisation and alleged that it had disproportionately channelled resources, institutions, and political benefits to that district. According to him, the League’s ministers and departments were repeatedly concentrated in Malappuram whenever the party was part of the UDF government, reinforcing regional imbalance. Responding to accusations of communalism, Vellappally recalled that he had once been widely recognised as a nationalist figure. He maintained that he did not harbour casteist or communal attitudes but said such issues surfaced only when discrimination or political exclusion was openly practised. He claimed that raising concerns about backward communities was being deliberately misrepresented as communal provocation.
Vellappally further alleged that successive Congress and Left leaders had avoided publicly criticising the Muslim League despite its political conduct, while he was being singled out for speaking against it. He contended that the League projected itself as a secular force while pursuing sectarian demands when in power. He pointed to what he described as an imbalance in educational institutions, claiming that while the League had secured multiple schools and colleges, backward communities such as the Ezhavas lacked adequate representation, including the absence of a dedicated university despite the existence of 14 universities in the state. Emphasising that he had not targeted the Muslim community, Vellappally said his demands were limited to equitable allocation of institutions and opportunities. He argued that even legitimate requests were being portrayed as communal hostility and alleged that organised campaigns were underway to brand him as divisive. He also accused certain League leaders of making derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister in the past.
He accused the Congress of eroding its historical legacy by aligning with what he termed a party that perpetuated communal politics. According to him, current Congress leaders had reduced themselves to subservience to the Muslim League, ignoring the party’s role in India’s freedom struggle. He alleged that several Congress leaders were now publicly opposing him under League pressure, something he claimed he had not expected. Defending the SNDP Yogam, Vellappally said that the organisation followed the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, which emphasise love, inclusivity, and social harmony. He rejected allegations of intolerance, noting that Muslims were involved in auditing the SNDP’s accounts and legal processes, which he cited as evidence against claims of communal bias. While welcoming the establishment of Sree Narayana Guru University in Kollam by the LDF government, Vellappally criticised the leadership structure, alleging that individuals unfamiliar (Muslim Vice-Chancellor) with Guru’s philosophy were appointed to key positions. He said that his criticism on this issue also invited backlash, including critical editorials from League-affiliated publications.
Vellappally accused the Muslim League of undermining democratic processes through money and muscle power and alleged that it attempted to silence critics through resolutions and political pressure. He claimed that the party reacted aggressively whenever its role in neglecting backward classes was questioned, including during parliamentary candidate selections. Dismissing claims that recent panchayat election results reflected broader political trends, Vellappally said local body polls should not be treated as indicators for Assembly elections. He argued that parties which enjoyed power and privileges for a decade were now deflecting blame. Concluding his remarks, Vellappally asserted that attempts to weaken the SNDP Yogam through intimidation would fail and said political parties should express dissent collectively and responsibly rather than targeting individuals for raising uncomfortable questions.
