In the heart of Kerala’s political scene, a sharp clash erupted on Thursday when Vellappally Natesan, the powerful SNDP Yogam general secretary and leading Ezhava community figure, publicly criticized state Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar.
Natesan called Ganesh Kumar “arrogant” and accused him of betrayal. “He has ruined his family’s reputation, behaves like a feudal lord, and even betrayed his own father,” the outspoken leader said. “His rise to minister was thanks to Saritha, the solar‑scam case.” His remarks stirred a reaction in political circles.
Ganesh Kumar responded on the record, saying that people “speak according to their culture.” He added, “I won’t stoop to his level. His language comes from his culture, not mine.” The minister’s calm reply underscored the tension between the two leaders.
Natesan is known for snappy retorts and frequent shifts in political stance. Notably, he was spotted in the chief minister’s car when Pinarayi Vijayan attended the Global Ayyappa Sangamam in Pamba last month. That same month, Natesan praised the chief minister’s leadership, predicting a third‑term win.
The minister’s criticism is seen by many as an attempt to undermine the political prospects of Natesan’s son, Tushar Vellapally, the head of BDJS, the second‑largest partner of the BJP‑led NDA. Tushar’s party has struggled to gain traction, and attempts to secure him a Rajya Sabha seat and a Union Minister of State role have fallen flat. With Congress‑led UDF member Adoor Prakash offering Tushar a spot in the UDF, the attack has gained additional weight.
Ganesh Kumar is a prominent member of the Hindu Nair community. Long‑standing rivalry between the Nair and Ezhava communities has fueled the feud. The minister’s role in bringing the Nair Service Society’s general secretary into the Ayyappa Sangamam further deepened the backdrop of this clash.
The controversy follows recent revelations of corruption in the Sabarimala temple’s management, where Natesan has been calling for a complete overhaul. The Sabarimala board, traditionally led by Nair representatives, has come under scrutiny. Natesan’s pointed comments at Ganesh Kumar highlight the broader political and community tensions at play in Kerala’s current landscape.
Source: ianslive
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