Thiruvananthapuram, 22 March (H.S.):Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Sachchidananda has issued a strong statement criticising SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, alleging that his recent remarks have adversely affected the electoral prospects of Ezhava candidates and other backward communities in Kerala.

In a statement , the Swami said that Vellappally’s statements have created divisions among communities, leading to a situation where members of other religions and castes are reluctant to support Ezhava candidates in elections. By making allegations against other communities and portraying them in a negative light, he has effectively alienated them. As a result, candidates from backward communities, including the Ezhavas, are facing electoral defeats, he stated.

Swami Sachchidananda also made it clear that he would not respond to Vellappally in the same tone or style. He said that Vellappally follows a certain culture in his public discourse and that he cannot respond in that manner, underlining his difference in approach.

The Sivagiri Mutt chief further alleged that backward and marginalised communities have been largely ignored in the candidate lists announced by major political fronts in the state. He pointed out that while the Ezhava community has received limited representation, other groups such as the Viswakarma community have not been allotted even a single seat. Similarly, the Dheevara community has also not received adequate consideration.

He revealed that the Mutt had raised these concerns with leaders across political fronts, including Rahul Gandhi, as well as representatives of the LDF and NDA. However, after reviewing the final candidate lists, he said it was difficult to conclude that justice had been done to backward communities.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over representation and social equity in the run-up to the Assembly elections in Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman