Vellappally Natesan, General Secretary of the SNDP Yogam, an organization representing the Hindu Ezhava community, on Saturday claimed that Kerala is in a situation where the state government is compelled to govern by listening to Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar.
Speaking at the SNDP Yogam leadership meeting in Kottayam, Natesan said that when school timings were changed in the state following a court order, Samastha Kerala Jem’iyyathul Ulama (Samastha) demanded that the Onam and Christmas holidays be curtailed.
He added that the same group had also opposed the introduction of Zumba dance classes for children in schools.
“No matter what law the government introduces, if they do not consult Malappuram, it becomes a problem,” he said. “If they are asked to sit, those on this side will lie down. Where is this state heading? Are we moving towards a religious dictatorship” Natesan asked.
He further alleged that former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan had previously warned that the Muslim community would soon become the majority in Kerala. Natesan also claimed that while the number of assembly constituencies has reduced in many regions, it has increased in Malappuram.
“Ezhavas in Kerala are given importance only in the employment guarantee scheme. This must end. If the Ezhavas unite, we can decide who should rule Kerala,” he asserted.
Natesan also criticized community monopolies in Kottayam, saying, “Kottayam is dominated by a few communities. Some special groups hold sway here, and no one dares to speak out against them. We don’t have the tendency to fight for power or our rights. Party members who believe in them nominate their candidates, and we just vote for them.”
“That shouldn’t be the case. We must secure representation in governance. We must assert our rights within the political parties we support. If we cannot bring our people into positions of power, this association has no purpose. Only then can social justice be achieved,” he said.