Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has defended Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan over his hate speeches targeting the Muslim-majority Malappuram district, despite having condemned him for similar comments against Muslims a decade ago.
The Chief Minister was inaugurating a reception for Natesan, who has completed three decades at the helm of SNDP Yogam, at Cherthala on Friday.
In his speech, Vijayan described Natesan as a consistent advocate of secularism, dismissing criticism of his recent statement that Malappuram was a place “where even fresh breath is hard to find” for the backward Ezhava community.
Pinarayi Vijayan and four ministers in his cabinet attended the event despite public criticism and demands from Muslim organizations that the chief minister not endorse the comments.
“Vellappally himself clarified that his remarks were aimed at a political party (Indian Union Muslim League). However, leaders of that party and those interested in protecting its image twisted his words and launched a campaign against him,” Vijayan said.
He said that Natesan achieved something even the poet and social reformer Kumaranasan could not—while Kumaranasan held the leadership position for only 16 years, Natesan has been at the helm for three decades.
The remarks contrast sharply with Vijayan’s stance in 2015, when he accused Natesan of attempting to emulate Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia, known for delivering genocidal speeches against Muslims. At the time, Vijayan criticised Natesan’s comments questioning government aid for a Muslim man’s family as reflective of “inhumanity,” branding him the “Kerala Togadia.”
Natesan’s latest statement has reignited debate in Kerala with many from several corners accusing him of targeting Muslims.
In 2015, his remarks on aid distribution sparked protests, including effigy burnings by auto-rickshaw drivers in Kozhikode.
Vijayan’s defense comes amid praise for Natesan’s three-decade leadership of SNDP Yogam, a prominent organization representing the Ezhava community. The chief minister highlighted Natesan’s role in promoting the teachings of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, which emphasize unity and equality.
Senior Indian Union Muslim League leader PK Kunhalikutty condemned Vijayan’s defense, rejecting the chief minister’s argument that Natesan’s speech was not hateful. “It was a hate speech condemned by the whole public,” Kunhalikutty said.
