Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam and a prominent leader of Kerala’s Ezhava community, has stirred controversy with remarks made during a state-level leadership meeting in Kottayam. Natesan warned that Kerala may soon become a Muslim-majority state and attributed the trend to Hindu women “reducing reproduction,” urging them to reverse the pattern.

Claims of Religious Dominance

Natesan criticized both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), alleging that both coalitions primarily serve the political interests of the Muslim community. He claimed that Hindu voices are being marginalized in governance, particularly in decisions related to education and administration.

He pointed to a recent issue involving the extension of school hours, stating that the Muslim organization Samastha opposed the move and suggested cutting Onam and Christmas holidays instead. “This is no longer secular,” Natesan said, expressing concern over what he called “religious dominance” in Kerala’s public affairs.

“When the education department wanted to increase school timings based on a court order, Samastha (a prominent Muslim body) said the government could instead reduce Onam and Christmas holidays. Where is this country headed? This is no longer secular,” he said.

Demographic Concerns and Appeal for Unity

Referring to a past remark by former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who predicted Kerala could become a Muslim-majority state by 2040, Natesan said that timeline may arrive even sooner. He highlighted changes in electoral constituencies as evidence, claiming that Hindu-majority Alappuzha district lost two seats due to declining birth rates, while Muslim-majority Malappuram gained four.

“Doesn’t look like we’ll have to wait till 2040,” he added, noting demographic changes in electoral constituencies. “In Alappuzha district, two seats have been reduced as Hindus reduced reproduction. In Malappuram, four seats increased as they increased reproduction. My dearest sisters, don’t reduce reproduction,” he appealed to Hindu women. He asserted that the declining Hindu population was weakening the community’s influence.

Targeting Malappuram and IUML

Natesan reiterated controversial statements he had previously made about Malappuram, a Muslim-majority district. Calling it a “different country” and “state of different people,” he claimed that free expression is stifled in the district and that people from backward communities live in fear there.

He accused the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of seeking to expand its political influence across Kerala, including in regions like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, with an eye on the chief minister’s post. “No matter what law the government brings, it cannot be implemented without approval from Malappuram,” he added.

“When zumba dance was introduced for children in schools, that too was opposed. No matter what law the government brings, it will not be implemented unless it is approved by Malappuram. The government brought something that was implemented abroad. Then, they are saying it is anti-Muslim. This is a government that lies down if it is asked to sit down,” he said.

Referring to the Muslim-majority district as “a different country,” he said: “I don’t think you can live in Malappuram by breathing fresh air. I don’t think you can live by even saying an independent opinion. Malappuram is a different country. It is a state of different people.”

Allegations of Economic and Educational Monopoly

Natesan also alleged that the Muslim community dominates Kerala’s industrial sector while Christians control education. By contrast, he said, the Ezhava community is mostly limited to the employment guarantee scheme and has only one dedicated educational institution in the entire state, located in Kottayam.

He lamented the lack of new course approvals for Ezhava-run institutions and claimed that caste-based demands by the community are often mischaracterized as contrary to the teachings of social reformer Sree Narayana.

Call for Ezhava Consolidation

Calling for solidarity among Ezhavas, Natesan declared, “If we unite, we can decide who should rule Kerala.” He asserted that a united community could even determine the next chief minister and ensure fair representation for backward groups.

Despite widespread criticism, Natesan defended his statements, claiming he was attacked for “telling the truth” and dismissed accusations of communalism or casteism.

The remarks have triggered widespread debate in Kerala’s political and civil circles, drawing criticism from various quarters for being divisive and inflammatory.