Thiruvananthapuram, 19 July (H.S.):

Kerala Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the leadership of the Nair Service Society (NSS), alleging that the organisation had developed authoritarian tendencies and stressing that no institution could thrive without internal democracy and transparency.

Reacting to his removal from the NSS Board of Directors, Ganesh Kumar questioned whether the decision was fair and said it was for the community to judge. He remarked that people of integrity would ultimately uphold justice and warned that authoritarian leadership, wherever it exists, is destined to fail. Asked whether the NSS leadership required restructuring, the minister replied that such changes would eventually happen on their own. Using a metaphor, he said that once a marble is trapped inside a soda bottle, the bottle has to be broken to retrieve it, suggesting that entrenched systems often require drastic change.

The minister also alleged that despite repeated efforts, he had been unable to obtain a copy of the NSS constitution. According to him, the organisation's governing document was being deliberately kept out of public view, raising questions about transparency in its functioning.

Ganesh Kumar further urged the NSS to make the memorial of its founder, Mannathu Padmanabhan, accessible to everyone who respects his legacy. Drawing a parallel with the principle that all Hindus should be allowed entry into temples, he said admirers of Mannathu Padmanabhan, irrespective of organisational affiliation, should have the opportunity to pay their respects at the memorial.

Responding to the ongoing political controversy involving the NSS, the minister said he was unaware of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan making any remarks insulting the organisation or any community. Having known Satheesan for many years, Ganesh Kumar said he had never heard him speak disrespectfully about any community.

He also claimed that several people who had once benefited from the support of his father, R. Balakrishna Pillai, and himself were now working against him. Calling for restraint, he said there was no need for intimidation and appealed for greater mutual respect.

Without commenting on Union Minister Suresh Gopi's recent statements, Ganesh Kumar said his position as a Union Minister should be respected. He also opposed any attempt to prevent the distribution of free food packets to poor patients and their attendants at government hospitals, maintaining that such humanitarian initiatives should not be obstructed regardless of which political party or organisation undertakes them.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman