Ernakulam: 

Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) General Secretary Vellappally Natesan who stirred a major controversy by alleging that Malappuram district functions like a separate nation and is dominated by certain sections of the population, making it difficult for others to live freely or express opinions had called for widespread criticism from Muslim groups, especially the Youth League and the KNM (Kerala Nadavathul Majuhidheen).

Activists of Indian Youth League (IYL) burnt the effigy of Natesan and held protests on Sunday by terming the statement as misleading and inappropriate. They demanded an apology from the SNDP General secretary.

Earlier, speaking at a convention organised by the Nilambur unit of the SNDP, Nateshan said that Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is the only option for the Ezhava community in Malappuram. “People here live in fear. The backward communities in Malappuram have not received even a fraction of the fruits of independence,” he added. He claimed that the region lacks educational infrastructure for certain communities, asking, “Do we even have a nursery school for our children here in Malappuram?”

However, two days after he made the statements, Vellappally clarified the stance saying that his statements were taken out of context.

Speaking to the press he said he stated he had mentioned about the Ezhava community is being sidelined when it comes to jobs in government sectors and not meant to insult any other community.

Natesan went on to suggest that while some groups have united to secure their rights and representation, the SNDP has lagged. “We are destined to be voting machines. We are allowed only to cast our vote, but nothing is given in return,” he said.

Natesan accused various governments of treating Malappuram as their ancestral property, reserving all power and rights for their families while side-lining the minorities. “Once the vote is secured, they don’t even acknowledge our existence,” he added.

Read More:

Real Madrid Legends Defeat FC Barcelona Legends