Vellappally targets IUML, denies anti-Muslim bias

Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), alleging that the party was attempting to brand him as anti-Muslim and communal.

Speaking to reporters at Kanichukulangara, near Cherthala, Mr. Natesan said he stood by his statements and asserted that raising legitimate demands for one’s community did not amount to casteism. “Pointing out discrimination and seeking what is due is not casteism,” he said, adding that he follows the ideals of Sree Narayana Guru and harbours no caste- or religion-based prejudice.

Accusing the IUML of functioning as a “Malappuram-centric party,” Mr. Natesan alleged that the party was diverting resources and benefits largely to Malappuram district. “The IUML is trying to project me as one of Kerala’s biggest communalists, though it once portrayed me as a nationalist. The people of Kerala should know how and why this image was created,” he said.

‘Only for the affluent’

Refuting allegations of communal bias, he accused the IUML leadership of arrogance and of misusing money power and muscle power. He further claimed that benefits within the party were confined to affluent sections of the Muslim community.

Referring to the tenure of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Mr. Natesan alleged that democratic values were undermined and that educational institutions were handed over to trusts run by wealthy Muslims close to the IUML. He also said that IUML leaders had earlier approached him for political cooperation when the party was out of power, but he had rejected the proposal, citing lack of trust.

Responding to questions on the controversy over his recent speech in Malappuram, Mr. Natesan said his criticism was directed at the IUML and not at the Muslim community. He accused the IUML leadership of deliberately misrepresenting his remarks to portray him as an extremist.

Mr. Natesan also criticised Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, alleging that her conduct had contributed to the setback faced by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the capital city in the local body polls. “Arrogance and lack of maturity due to gaining power at a young age affected the LDF,” he said.

On BDJS stance

On political alignments, Mr. Natesan said the SNDP Yogam would not interfere in the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena’s (BDJS) stance. He noted that the party had supported the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for over a decade without gaining much. “A section of the party is inclined towards the LDF. The SNDP will not interfere, and the BDJS is free to take its own decision,” he said.

The SNDP Yogam general secretary said that LDF would retain power for a third consecutive term in the 2026 Assembly polls.