The Congress party in Kerala is scrambling to manage fallout after Nair Service Society (NSS) General Secretary G Sukumaran Nair praised the CPI(M)-led LDF government for its handling of the inaugural Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pampa on September 20. His comments have unsettled Congress, which has historically relied on support from the Nair community, a crucial Hindu vote bank in the state.
The NSS has been a staunch supporter of Congress, particularly in its opposition to the 2018 Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all ages to enter Sabarimala. By organizing protests and approaching the court against the ruling, the NSS played a pivotal role in defending traditional customs at the temple.
In his remarks, Sukumaran Nair lauded the LDF for aligning its policies with Sabarimala traditions and criticized Congress indirectly, saying, “It looks like Congress does not need Hindu votes. Maybe they need only minority votes.” These statements prompted the Congress leadership to reach out to the NSS to clarify positions and prevent alienation of the community.
AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal stressed that Congress values good relations with all community organisations and will resolve any communication gaps. He reaffirmed that the NSS would continue to maintain political neutrality during elections.
Opposition leader VD Satheesan, meanwhile, downplayed Nair’s comments, noting that the NSS often takes positions on specific issues but remains equidistant from political parties during elections. Satheesan suggested that CPI(M)’s attempt to build ties with the NSS is part of broader electoral strategies, common in Kerala’s dynamic political landscape.
The Congress party now faces the challenge of balancing traditional community support while navigating political optics ahead of upcoming elections.
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