Amid criticism by Vellappally Natesan and Sukumaran Nair, Kerala Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan says he is against bid to cause communal rift, not leaders

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Sunday (January 18, 2026) sought to address the criticism against him raised by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan and his Nair Service Society (NSS) counterpart G. Sukumaran Nair amid the two signalling a possible tie-up sharing common political interests.

The Congress leader said he welcomes any initiative to ensure communal unity even as reiterating that he and his party will oppose communal remarks of all colours.

“We wish everyone to stand united. There should not be any communal hatred. We will support any step taken by anyone to that end. But what we see now is rampant peddling of communal hatred. This is what the Sangh Parivar used to do – create communal rift among the people and gain political power out of it. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] is adopting the same line now,” Mr. Satheesan told media at Paravur.

‘Fitting reply’

When asked about Mr. Natesan’s statement that there was a need for communities from ‘Nayadis’ to ‘Nasranis’ to join hands, Mr. Satheesan sought to make light of the clarion call saying such slogans were raised earlier too. “Nothing is going to happen. Kerala will give a fitting reply to anyone who attempts to create communal rift,” he said.

Speaking to reporters in Paravur and later in Kochi, he tried to clarify that he had not attacked any community leaders personally. Responding to Mr. Nair’s remarks that Mr. Satheesan had sought his support during the previous election, the Opposition leader said he had visited the NSS chief at the NSS headquarters in Perunna on multiple occasions. Mr. Nair had also slammed Mr. Satheesan for making a discreet visit to the Syro Malabar Church’s headquarters recently when the Synod of Bishops was being held there.

“I am someone who visits and communicates with all community leaders. I have never said I won’t visit them. Speaking against communalism and paying visit to community leaders are two different matters. We are supposed to rush to them if any community is facing an issue,” he said.

“I am not above criticism. Anyone can criticise me. I will correct myself if there is merit in the criticism,’ he added.

On Mr. Natesan’s harsh choice of words to slam him, Mr. Satheesan said, “I am now used to all that language. I trust the people of Kerala. The people are watching everything,” he said.