A sharp political confrontation unfolded in Kerala on Wednesday as CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam and SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan engaged in a bitter public exchange. The war of words highlighted growing tensions within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) following its disappointing performance in recent civic polls.
The Spark That Ignited the Controversy
The row began when journalists questioned Vellappally Natesan about internal criticism within the Communist Party of India (CPI). The criticism centered on his perceived close association with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which some CPI leaders believe contributed to the LDF's poor showing in the local body elections. Reporters also asked about alleged discontent within CPI over the Chief Minister's continued support for Natesan despite his recent controversial remarks concerning minorities.
In his response, Natesan launched a broadside against certain LDF constituents, without explicitly naming the CPI. He accused them of publicly attacking the Chief Minister after enjoying the benefits of power for a decade. Natesan asserted that such criticism should have been raised within internal party forums instead of in the media. He used strong language, likening those attacking the government to ‘Chathiyan Chandu’, a colloquial reference implying foolishness or mischief.
Natesan's Defense and Viswam's Fierce Retort
Vellappally Natesan strongly defended his decision to travel with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the same vehicle to the Global Ayyappa Sangamam venue in Pamba. He posed a pointed question, asking whether the issue would have been raised at all if a person from a higher caste had accompanied the CM. He also rejected allegations of communalism regarding his statements on Malappuram. Natesan explained that the SNDP Yogam had faced challenges in establishing educational institutions in Malappuram and two other Malabar districts, despite owning land there.
CPI leader Binoy Viswam hit back forcefully later in the day. He dismissed Natesan's remarks as "politically irrelevant" and made it clear that the SNDP leader held no authority to rate the CPI or the Left Front. "LDF is not Natesan, and it should not be Natesan," Viswam stated emphatically. He turned the tables on the accusation of betrayal, stating that the label suited Natesan ‘a thousand times more’ than it did the CPI.
In an indirect critique of Chief Minister Vijayan's actions, Viswam declared that he would never allow Natesan to travel with him in his car. "I may greet him or shake hands if I meet him, but I will not allow him to share my car," he said, directly referencing the internal CPI criticism of the CM sharing his official vehicle with Natesan during the Ayyappa event.
Internal Dissent and Political Fallout
Sources indicate that the CPI state council meeting witnessed intense criticism of the Chief Minister's perceived closeness to Vellappally Natesan. Several leaders expressed the view that this association had caused significant political damage to the LDF and was a key factor in the coalition's setback during the local body polls. This internal discord points to deeper strategic and ideological rifts within the front that may need addressing to present a united face.
The public spat between two influential figures from allied organizations underscores the simmering tensions within Kerala's ruling coalition. It brings to the forefront debates about political conduct, public perception, and the balance of power within the LDF, especially in the wake of electoral challenges. The episode is likely to have ramifications for the front's cohesion as it looks ahead to future political battles.
