logo
#

Latest news with #Natesan

Kerala Community Leader Sparks Controversy Over Religious Demographics And Birth Rates
Kerala Community Leader Sparks Controversy Over Religious Demographics And Birth Rates

Hans India

time10 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Hans India

Kerala Community Leader Sparks Controversy Over Religious Demographics And Birth Rates

A prominent Kerala community leader has generated significant controversy by making provocative statements about religious demographics and their impact on the state's political landscape. Vellapally Natesan, a key figure in the Hindu Ezhava community, has drawn criticism for his remarks connecting birth rates to electoral representation and warning about potential changes in Kerala's religious composition. During a leadership gathering of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam in Kottayam on Saturday, Natesan made statements that have since sparked intense debate across Kerala's political and social circles. His comments addressed what he perceives as shifting demographic patterns and their implications for political influence within the state. Natesan expressed concerns about both major political coalitions in Kerala, claiming that the ruling Left Democratic Front and opposition United Democratic Front were providing preferential treatment to the Muslim community. He argued that these political alignments necessitated greater unity among Hindu communities to maintain their influence in state governance. The SNDP leader specifically addressed members of Kerala's largest Hindu caste group, suggesting that their collective action could determine electoral outcomes. He emphasized the potential power of unified community voting, stating that coordinated efforts could significantly impact who governs the state. His remarks included criticism of what he characterized as religious considerations influencing public policy decisions. Natesan referenced a recent educational controversy where extending school hours was discussed, citing objections from religious organizations about reducing holidays for traditional festivals as evidence of growing religious influence in administrative matters. The community leader invoked previous statements by former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan regarding potential demographic changes by 2040, suggesting that such shifts might occur sooner than anticipated. He pointed to specific examples from electoral constituencies to support his assertions about changing population patterns. Natesan drew attention to constituency delimitation changes in different districts, arguing that seat reductions in some areas contrasted with increases in others, which he attributed to varying demographic trends. He specifically mentioned Alappuzha district experiencing constituency reductions while Malappuram district gained additional seats. This recent controversy follows earlier statements by Natesan that generated criticism in April, when he made contentious remarks about Malappuram district during a convention speech. His previous comments characterized the Muslim-majority district in terms that many found divisive and inappropriate for public discourse. The leader's statements reflect ongoing tensions in Kerala's complex religious and political landscape, where community identities intersect with electoral calculations. His appeals to specific demographic groups highlight the sensitive nature of religious representation in state politics. These remarks have prompted responses from various political parties and community organizations, with critics arguing that such statements promote divisiveness rather than unity. The controversy underscores broader debates about secularism, demographic representation, and political mobilization along religious lines. The SNDP Yogam, which represents significant portions of Kerala's Hindu population, plays an important role in the state's political dynamics. Statements from its leadership often carry considerable weight in community discussions and electoral considerations. Kerala's diverse religious composition has historically been a subject of political attention, with various communities seeking to maintain their influence in governance and policy-making. The current controversy adds another dimension to ongoing discussions about representation, demographics, and political strategy in the state.

Kerala politician urges Hindu women to have more children, warns of Muslim majority
Kerala politician urges Hindu women to have more children, warns of Muslim majority

India Today

time12 hours ago

  • Politics
  • India Today

Kerala politician urges Hindu women to have more children, warns of Muslim majority

Prominent Hindu Ezhava community leader in Kerala, Vellapally Natesan sparked a row after he said that Kerala could soon become a Muslim-majority state, blaming Hindu women for 'reducing reproduction' and urging them not to do at a leadership meeting of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in Kottayam on Saturday, Natesan claimed that both the ruling LDF and opposition UDF were aiding the Muslim community politically, and that Hindus needed to unite to protect their the Ezhavas unite, we can decide who should rule Kerala,' Natesan said, addressing members of the state's largest Hindu caste group. Criticising what he described as 'religious dominance' in public life, Natesan cited a recent controversy over extending school timings.'When the education department wanted to increase school timings based on a court order, Samastha (a prominent Muslim body) said the government could instead reduce Onam and Christmas holidays. Where is this country headed? This is no longer secular,' he also referred to former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan's remark that Kerala would become a Muslim-majority state by 2040. 'Doesn't look like we'll have to wait till 2040,' he added, noting demographic changes in electoral constituencies. 'In Alappuzha district, two seats have been reduced as Hindus reduced reproduction. In Malappuram, four seats increased as they increased reproduction. My dearest sisters, don't reduce reproduction,' he in April this year, Natesan had sparked another controversy during a speech at a convention in Kerala's Malappuram to the Muslim-majority district as 'a different country,' he said: 'I don't think you can live in Malappuram by breathing fresh air. I don't think you can live by even saying an independent opinion. Malappuram is a different country. It is a state of different people.'- Ends IN THIS STORY#Kerala

Kerala will be Muslim majority by 2040: How a claim got non-BJP parties sparring
Kerala will be Muslim majority by 2040: How a claim got non-BJP parties sparring

India Today

timea day ago

  • Politics
  • India Today

Kerala will be Muslim majority by 2040: How a claim got non-BJP parties sparring

In Kerala, the non-BJP parties seem to be engaging what they accuse the BJP of resorting to. This came after a claim by an influential community leader that "Muslims will become a majority in Kerala by 2040". The remarks by Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of the social service body representing the politically influential Ezhava community, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, sparked a fierce political row, pitting the non-BJP parties against each who also alleged that Muslim community leaders exert undue influence over Kerala's governance, drew widespread condemnation from the opposition Congress and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), reported news agency the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is believed to have the backing of the SNDP, distanced itself from Natesan's remarks, and faced accusations of complicity. The Congress alleged that Natesan's statements align with Kerala Chief Minister and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan's political CPI(M)'s cautious approach to the row reflects its need to retain Ezhava support ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections while maintaining its secular image. In Kerala, where the Left and the Congress have alternated in power, the CPM-led LDF is facing a 10-year by the attacks from the Congress and IUML, Natesan stood his ground."Even if Kanthapuram (AP Aboobacker Musliyar, who reportedly got the Yemeni government to delay Nimisha Priya's death sentence) "hurls a spear" at me, I will not stop speaking out for social justice", The New Indian Express quoted Natesan as Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday, had in 2022 claimed that Muslim extremist groups in the state were plotting to turn Kerala into a Muslim-majority state within 20 SNDP Yogam represents the Ezhava community, which constitutes approximately 25% of Kerala's population, and his son, Thushar Vellappally, leads the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), a political party part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Narayana Guru's reformist ideals led to the formation of the SNDP to uplift the Ezhava community, which is classified among the OBCs in WARNS OF KERALA TURNING MUSLIM-MAJORITY STATESpeaking at a state-level branch leadership meeting of SNDP Yogam in Kottayam on July 19, Natesan said that Kerala was on the path to becoming a Muslim-majority claimed, "Muslims will soon become the majority in Kerala," citing former CM VS Achuthanandan's alleged prediction about the demographic further asserted that Muslim leaders, including Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, wield significant influence over state current situation is such that the state government should just listen to Kanthapuram and govern," Natesan accused both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of pandering to Muslim interests, alleging that no government decision is implemented without Malappuram's endorsement, a Muslim-majority district, The New Indian Express also claimed that the IUML was eyeing the Kerala CM's post in the 2026 Assembly elections."Alappuzha lost two constituencies, while Malappuram gained four," Natesan said, suggesting a shift in political power towards Muslim-dominated areas. He argued that the Ezhava community had been IUML SLAM NATESAN'S MUSLIM-MAJORITY CLAIMThe Congress, which leads the opposing UDF, was swift to condemn Natesan's of the Opposition VD Satheesan accused Natesan of "acting at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan", alleging that his statements reflect the CPI(M)'s strategy to polarise voters."The SNDP Yogam general secretary has echoed what the CPI(M) leaders in Kerala speak against Malappuram and what the Chief Minister had stated in Delhi through public relations agencies. This hate speech is against the philosophy of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru," Satheesan Congress leader argued that Natesan's remarks aimed to create societal division. Satheesan further accused the CPI(M) of sacrificing secularism for political expediency, using Natesan to galvanise majority community votes by "othering minorities".The IUML, a key Congress ally in Kerala, reacted sharply to Natesan's allegations. IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty labeled Natesan's comments as "brazen communal remarks" and accused the LDF government of complicity, stating, "It is the responsibility of the LDF government to act against individuals who exploit influential social organisations to cause communal divisions".IUML Malappuram general secretary Abdul Hameed MLA called for legal action against Natesan for inciting groups, including the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, also condemned Natesan's BALANCING ACT: SOCIAL BODIES FREE TO SPEAK, BUT MUST AVOID HATEThe CPI(M), which traditionally enjoys support from the Ezhava community, found itself in a precarious party's state secretariat urged the SNDP Yogam to adhere to the secular and progressive values of Sree Narayana Guru, the founder of the organisations are free to raise any issue concerning the people, but it should not create religious divisions and hate, reported The CM Pinarayi Vijayan's past defence of Natesan may offer some insight into the CPI(M)'s April, when Natesan described the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district as a "separate nation", Vijayan defended him, claiming his remarks were directed at "a political party" (implying the IUML) rather than a Natesan's claim that Kerala will become a Muslim-majority state by 2040 has ignited a political storm, which exposes tensions among non-BJP parties in a state showcased for non-communal politics. With the Congress and the IUML accusing the CPI(M) of tacitly endorsing Natesan's rhetoric, the ruling party's delicate balancing act, given the Ezhavas have of late drifted towards the BJP (a result of the alliance with BDJS), shows a complex interplay of caste, religion, and politics in Kerala now.- Ends

IUML, Catholic Congress hit out at Natesan
IUML, Catholic Congress hit out at Natesan

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Politics
  • Time of India

IUML, Catholic Congress hit out at Natesan

Kozhikode: IUML on Sunday hit out strongly against the remarks by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan that Muslim community was trying to exert undue influence in state, saying such blatantly communal remarks would have serious repercussions for Kerala society. Catholic Congress too criticized Natesan for alleged remarks insulting the entire minority community. Speaking to the media in Kozhikode, IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said state govt should clarify whether such divisive and communal rhetoric could be tolerated in Kerala. "If such blatantly communal remarks are made, then it would lead to discord in society. It is upto govt to decide if such communal and divisive statements can be made by anyone in the state. We heard of some leaders making similar statements in north India. But this is Kerala. Today one person made such remarks and tomorrow someone else would speak like that. Govt should give a reply," he said. He said Natesan had made similar remarks for BJP and yet the party lost its deposit in Nilambur assembly bypoll, showing that Kerala society would reject such remarks. The tone of Natesan's remarks is part of the communal propaganda being carried out in India, he added. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo by Taboola by Taboola IUML MLA P Abdul Hameed said state govt should register a case in connection with Natesan's remarks. "Otherwise, people will have to conclude that he is making such remarks with govt's support," he said. Meanwhile, Catholic Congress director Philip Kaviyil said people of Kerala will reject the irresponsible remarks with contempt. "As a community leader, he has every right to advise members of his own community and offer practical suggestions for their growth. But if he speaks in a tone that belittles or seeks to erase other communities, such remarks amount to blatant communalism. There is nothing wrong in advocating for one's own community or standing up for their rights. However, when it is done by disparaging others with mocking or degrading comparisons and by promoting a repugnant notion that only one's community matters, that is nothing but communalism," he said. He asked Natesan to explain where and how the Christian Church leadership has ever intervened unjustly or snatched away anything from members of other communities.

Natesan renews attack on IUML
Natesan renews attack on IUML

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Natesan renews attack on IUML

Kochi: A day after making remarks against the Muslim community that drew sharp criticism from various quarters, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan continued to stir political controversy—showing no signs of backtracking. Speaking at a felicitation event organised by the SNDP Yogam Kochi Union in Palluruthy to mark his 30 years as general secretary, Natesan targeted the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), accusing religious groups and scholars of interfering in the state's governance. Mocking IUML, Natesan said it was ironic that a religious organisation is referred to as a secular party. "Muslim League means a Muslim union; all its members, including MLAs and MPs, are Muslims. Yet they claim to be secular. Jawaharlal Nehru once called the Muslim League a 'dead horse.' Later, Muhammad Koya called it a 'sleeping lion.' He was right. After lying dormant, they united, gained strength and are now an unbeatable force in Kerala," he said. "Today, their announcements can determine who will rule Kerala. Political parties are afraid and trembling. If I say we are living under religious rule rather than in a democracy, what is wrong with that?" Natesan asked. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ACE Nest Yamuna Expressway – Affordable Luxury Awaits Ace Noida Book Now Undo He also claimed he was being unfairly targeted and would continue to speak the truth, even if criticised by religious leaders such as Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar. "Those who speak of caste constantly and work to protect it are calling me casteist. That is the irony," he said. He added that his comments were not against the Muslim community but against religious interference in politics. He also alleged that despite forming a significant part of the population, the Ezhava and Hindu communities are often overlooked by govts and not treated as equal citizens. Opposition leader V D Satheesan strongly condemned Natesan's remarks, urging community leaders to avoid divisive statements. Speaking to the media in Kochi, Satheesan said the SNDP leader's words contradict the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru. "He is promoting ideas the Guru explicitly warned against," Satheesan said, further alleging that Natesan was echoing chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's narrative. "This is a script written by the chief minister himself," he claimed. Speaking at Natesan's a felicitation event. minister V N Vasavan lauded his role in transforming SNDP into a strong organization. BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar also praised Natesan, commending his contributions to both the community and the state.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store