Alappuzha, January 31 (IANS). As Kerala Assembly elections approach, SNDP Yogam chief and general secretary Vellappally Natesan has made serious allegations against the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and its ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Natesan claimed that UDF has immense influence of Muslim League and ‘Love Jihad’ is still a reality in the state.
Natesan, leader of SNDP Yogam, a prominent social organization of the Ezhava community, alleged that the Muslim League was acting as an organized religious force and exploiting divisions within the Hindu society for electoral gains.
He said, “There is no doubt that Congress is under the control of Muslim League. If Priyanka Gandhi has to win from Wayanad, she will have to take the support of Malappuram.”
Currently, IUML has 15 MLAs in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, while the party also has two Lok Sabha MPs from the state. Recently, the debate regarding pressure politics within the UDF has intensified after Muslim League leaders demanded more seats from the Congress in the upcoming assembly elections.
Vellappally Natation, citing personal experience on the issue of ‘Love Jihad’, said that a similar incident had happened in his own family too.
“Love jihad has happened, it cannot be denied. We have faced it in our family,” he claimed.
He also alleged that some elements within the community aim to establish a religious nation.
He also said that the SNDP Yogam had earlier fought with the Muslim League for the rights of the backward classes, but after coming to power, the UDF did not protect their interests.
Citing the Narendran Commission report, Nation said that while special recruitment drives were conducted for the Muslim community, other backward classes were ignored.
He also alleged that despite SNDP applying for opening of primary school in Malappuram, Muslim League obstructed it.
Commenting on the political situation, Natesan said that the position of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is getting stronger in Kerala. He praised former Union Minister and current Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, saying that under his leadership there has been positive change and new energy in the party.
He said, “BJP is not weakening in Kerala, but is growing. I am not saying that it will win many seats, but its vote share will definitely increase.”
–IANS
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