Kottayam: SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan has launched a fierce counterattack against what he describes as a coordinated effort to defame him, in a strongly worded editorial published in the latest edition of the organization's official mouthpiece, Yoganadam. Titled 'To those who come to hunt,' the piece makes it clear that he has no intention of backing down.
Natesan's Strong Response
'Personal attacks are not new. But I won't stay silent when the organisation itself is under threat. If speaking social truths openly makes me a villain, I will continue doing so — more forcefully than before,' he wrote.
Targeting the Muslim League
Natesan directed his sharpest criticism once again at the Indian Union Muslim League, describing it as a fundamentally communal organization hiding behind a secular facade. He argued that in Kerala, merely questioning the League was enough to earn the label of communalist — a charge he said he was willing to accept.
He alleged that systematic efforts were under way in the state to suppress the Hindu majority community socially, economically and politically, with the League playing a central role, both openly and behind the scenes. He pointed to the composition of League-controlled departments — ministers, staff and key appointments — as evidence of communal governance. He added that he hadn't forgotten a remark by League minister K M Shaji that 'religion is their concern'.
Legal Cases and Media Criticism
Dismissing multiple legal cases cited against him, Natesan noted that not a single verdict had gone against him. He accused rivals of resorting to roadside microphones and sympathetic media channels when they failed in court, and said he wouldn't yield to what he called 'despicable media activity'.
Political Analysis
He attributed the LDF's recent electoral losses to its neglect of the Ezhava community, historically the backbone of Left politics in Kerala, in favor of minority appeasement.
