NSS slams Kerala CM Satheesan over appointment denial, says it will no longer meet him
Kottayam, June 20 (IANS) A major political and social confrontation has erupted in Kerala with Nair Service Society (NSS) General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair on Saturday launching a sharp personal attack on Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, accusing him of arrogance and declaring that the organisation would no longer seek appointments with him or go begging for a meeting.
NSS is the powerful social organisation of the Hindu Nair community.
The unprecedented criticism came during the annual budget meeting of the NSS held at its headquarters in Perunna.
Expressing strong resentment over the Chief Minister’s office allegedly denying an appointment request, Sukumaran Nair said the NSS had approached the office twice to raise issues faced by the community organisation but received no response.
The NSS leadership wanted to bring to the state government’s attention the technical issues relating to income tax amendments affecting the organisation and also seek follow-up action on a memorandum submitted during the previous Left government’s tenure.
However, the repeated denial of an appointment angered the Perunna leadership, which viewed it as “deliberate neglect”.
“Two attempts were made to get an appointment, but it was not granted. NSS will not chase anyone anymore. Perunna will not go and hold anyone’s feet,” Sukumaran Nair added.
The NSS Chief also revived Satheesan’s earlier remarks that he would not “go around the verandas of community leaders” seeking support during elections.
He alleged that Satheesan, who had earlier visited the NSS headquarters and waited for meetings when he needed support, had changed his approach after coming to power.
The remarks have intensified the already strained relationship between the Congress leadership and the influential community organisation.
The NSS, which had traditionally maintained a position of equidistance from political parties, now appears to be heading towards an open confrontation with a Chief Minister from its own community background.
The latest attack has also triggered unease within sections of the Congress and the ruling front, with leaders warning that alienating major community organisations could create political difficulties.
The NSS is reportedly considering public positions against government policies, including issues related to aided education appointments and agricultural concerns.
The Perunna meeting also saw representatives extending full support to Sukumaran Nair’s stand, signaling a new phase in the political equation between the Kerala government and the NSS.
Incidentally the whole of this week, Satheesan who is also the Kerala Finance Minister, had announced that since he is busy with preparation of the budget, he had requested that he will be busy with it.
He presented his maiden budget on Friday.
Over the years and especially when the Congress-led UDF is in office, social organisations do flex their muscles but when the Left rules, they do not generally air any displeasure in public.
–IANS
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