SNDP Leader Vellappally Natesan Demands Fair Representation for Backward Communities in Kerala Elections
In a strong editorial published in the SNDP Yogam's mouthpiece Yoganadam, general secretary Vellappally Natesan has issued a clarion call to political parties in Kerala. He urged them to provide due representation to marginalized and backward communities during the candidate selection process for upcoming assembly elections.
Historical Underrepresentation Highlighted
Natesan pointed to the last election as a stark example of this neglect. He noted that despite the then KPCC president belonging to the Ezhava community, the Congress party managed to secure only one MLA from this significant demographic group. This discrepancy underscores a broader pattern of exclusion that has persisted in Kerala's political landscape.
Call to Action for Backward Communities
The SNDP leader emphasized that members of backward communities must actively pursue their rightful share of political representation. Whether operating within political parties or as external advocates, they must make concerted efforts to ensure their communities receive adequate candidate slots. Natesan warned that failure to achieve this could lead to religious forces dominating all sectors of society.
He specifically urged community members to respond through the ballot box when their entitled representation is denied. This electoral strategy, he suggested, is crucial for asserting their political rights and preventing further marginalization.
Criticism of Muslim League's Political Strategy
Natesan continued his editorial with pointed criticism of the Muslim League, accusing the party of making new demands despite having established a strong presence across various sectors. He expressed concern about demographic shifts, suggesting that "in Kerala, it won't be long before the majority community becomes a minority."
The SNDP leader questioned what political behavior might emerge from groups transitioning from minority to majority status. He referenced Muslim League leaders' speeches about reclaiming losses from the past decade and their emphasis on candidates' religious devotion as evidence of religion-based political mobilization.
Analysis of Religious Political Organization
Natesan observed that minority religious groups have successfully organized beyond traditional party politics, using religious identity as a gateway to political power. Both Muslim and Christian communities have formed dedicated political parties that have secured numerous MLA, MP, and ministerial positions.
Even as these religious-based parties have fragmented into new factions, they have continued to accumulate political positions and titles. According to Natesan, many within these groups remain dissatisfied despite receiving what he characterized as more than their fair share of representation.
The Burden on Backward Communities
The editorial concludes with Natesan's assertion that the political losses resulting from this imbalance have been borne exclusively by backward communities. His message serves as both a warning and a mobilization call for these communities to organize and demand their rightful place in Kerala's political representation.
This editorial from the SNDP Yogam leadership signals growing frustration among backward communities about their political marginalization and sets the stage for potential electoral realignments in upcoming Kerala assembly elections.
