NSS Leader Dismisses External Influence in Failed Community Alliance Talks
In a significant development regarding the proposed unity between the Nair and Ezhava communities in Kerala, NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair has categorically ruled out any external interference in the failure of the alliance talks. This statement comes as a direct response to suggestions made by his SNDP Yogam counterpart, Vellappally Natesan, who had hinted at possible outside influences disrupting the unity effort.
Nair Clarifies His Role in Halting Unity Discussions
Sukumaran Nair emphasized that it was he who presented the proposal to not move forward with the unity during the director board meeting, taking full responsibility for the decision. He was reacting to remarks made by Natesan after the SN Trust meeting held in Cherthala on Wednesday, where questions about the failed alliance had surfaced.
The NSS general secretary revealed specific details about the communication breakdown, stating that he had informed Thushar Vellappally—president of NDA ally BDJS—that his presence at the alliance talks was unnecessary as it would carry political implications. "A day after this conversation, Natesan received the Padma Bhushan award, which naturally led to suspicions about the underlying motives of the proposed alliance," Nair explained.
While acknowledging that Natesan deserved the prestigious award, Nair pointed out that the timing made political interference apparent, ultimately prompting the decision against pursuing unity. He expressed doubts about external involvement behind the unity move and criticized the decision to engage a person with clear political motivations for the discussions.
Addressing Criticisms and Political Neutrality
Responding to criticisms directed at the NSS organization, Nair asserted that such comments typically come from those unfamiliar with the community organization's functioning. "The community members fully support the leadership without reservation," he stated confidently.
Regarding political matters, Nair maintained that whether good or bad, assembly candidates associated with NSS would face the consequences of their own actions. When questioned specifically about Ganesh Kumar contesting in Pathanapuram, Nair reiterated the organization's neutral stance toward all political figures, including opposition leader V D Satheesan.
"Anyone, including Satheesan, wishing to meet the general secretary at NSS headquarters is welcome, as we maintain no enmity toward anyone," Nair declared, emphasizing the organization's open-door policy.
SNDP Yogam's Perspective on the Failed Unity Effort
Earlier in the day, Vellappally Natesan had stated that there was no regret or protest over the failure of the Nair-Ezhava unity effort. He described the Nair community as brotherly and emphasized that the beliefs and blood of both communities were fundamentally one.
Natesan made it clear that neither Sukumaran Nair nor the NSS organization would be rejected despite the failed unity talks. "Those who thought the Nairs would be slammed by the SNDP leadership for rejecting the unity move were mistaken," he asserted.
The SNDP Yogam leader spoke highly of Sukumaran Nair, describing him as innocent, selfless, and honourable. He suggested that the potential unity had caused unease among certain political leaders, and to understand the reasons for the failure, one need not look further than immediate circumstances.
Natesan confirmed that the SNDP Yogam director board had supported the unity effort and that Nair had been informed about Tushar being entrusted with discussion responsibilities. "Unity from Nayadi to Nasrani is the need of the hour. If not today, unity will happen tomorrow, and efforts will continue toward this goal," he expressed optimistically.
The SNDP leader concluded with a forward-looking statement: "We will wait patiently. We cannot continue with divisiveness indefinitely. There should be thought and action according to contemporary needs against forces attempting to hijack the nation's direction."
