NSS invitation to Chennithala would benefit Cong, UDF: VD Satheesan
Satheesan emphasised that all leaders should foster good relations with such organisations, rather than just one, as this will benefit the party.
Satheesan emphasised that all leaders should foster good relations with such organisations, rather than just one, as this will benefit the party.
Satheesan emphasised that all leaders should foster good relations with such organisations, rather than just one, as this will benefit the party.
Kochi: Amid reports of the Nair Service Society (NSS) backing senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as the chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said such developments would only benefit both the Congress party and the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Speaking to the media, Satheesan said that if the NSS invited Chennithala to a major event, such as the birth anniversary celebrations of its founder and social reformer Mannathu Padmanabhan, it would be advantageous for the Congress party. “Last year, the NSS invited Shashi Tharoor, and before that, K Muraleedharan and Oommen Chandy attended this event,” he said.
Satheesan emphasised that all leaders should foster good relations with such organisations, rather than just one, as this will benefit the party. “I am personally very pleased with this as the UDF chairman because the Congress can only return to power in the state if we all work together,” he noted.
The invitation extended to Chennithala by the NSS to speak at the Mannam Jayanti event has sparked speculation about a shift in the power dynamics within the state Congress as the 2026 Assembly elections approach. In 2013, NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair had openly called for Chennithala to be given a prominent role in the Congress government led by Oommen Chandy. However, Chennithala rejected this support, expressing his reluctance to be seen as the leader of any particular community, which led to a strained relationship between him and the NSS.
Meanwhile, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan also expressed his support for Chennithala. On Friday, Natesan described Chennithala as the most qualified leader within Congress to assume the role of chief minister. He also stated that Chennithala is better suited to the position than VD Satheesan, as he is working towards uniting all sections of society.
In response to Natesan's comments, Satheesan said he was happy and proud. "Last month, he predicted that a third Pinarayi Vijayan government would come to power. Now, he says a Congress chief minister will be elected after the 2026 polls. His opinion has changed,” Satheesan remarked.
He also stated that he welcomed criticism from Natesan, as he never considered himself above it. Satheesan stressed that he does not oppose any organisations and has maintained cordial relations with all leaders. “I praised the NSS leadership for effectively preventing the intrusion of Sangh Parivar forces into the organisation after the Sabarimala women entry issue and the subsequent 2019 Lok Sabha elections,” he said, adding that he has always taken a secular stance, bringing people together.
Meanwhile, UDF convener MM Hassan dismissed reports suggesting a shift in Kerala’s political dynamics, calling it a media-driven interpretation. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Hassan said: "There is no such interpretation from the NSS or Ramesh Chennithala. Every year, Chennithala attends the Mannam Jayanti celebrations. This time, he was invited after a gap, and he is simply attending—nothing more."
He emphasised that Congress and the UDF maintain good relations with the NSS, and the front's approach to community organisations aligns with that of the Leader of the Opposition.
Hassan refrained from commenting on Natesan’s political statements, stating that the UDF does not project a chief ministerial candidate ahead of elections, PTI reported.
Interestingly, the BJP also weighed in on the political developments on Saturday. Former Union Minister V Muraleedharan stated that Congress is unlikely to return to power in Kerala and accused the media of misinterpreting Natesan's remarks.
Addressing the media in Sabarimala, Muraleedharan said: “Vellappally Natesan did not say that Ramesh Chennithala should become the Chief Minister. What he said was that, should Congress come to power, Chennithala would be a suitable choice for the position. However, given the current situation, the Congress is not in a position to rule the state.”