BJP Leader Prakash Javadekar Meets SNDP General Secretary Amid Controversy

Significant Meeting Ahead of Elections

On Sunday, BJP leader Prakash Javadekar visited the residence of Vellapally Natesan, the General Secretary of SNDP Yogam. This meeting took place amidst a controversy surrounding Natesan's remarks labeling a journalist as a terrorist. Javadekar, who is the BJP's state in-charge for Kerala, met with Natesan in Kanichukulangara, along with state and district BJP leaders, for a closed-door discussion. Speaking to the media, Javadekar expressed his admiration for Natesan, stating, "I always feel happy meeting Vellapally Natesan-ji, and I am inspired by his efforts, especially how he founded SNDP at such a young age of 20-25 years." He also extended his support to Natesan regarding the ongoing controversy over his comments about the journalist, emphasizing that "desperate individuals attack journalists."

Political Context and Implications

This meeting is particularly noteworthy as various political parties are ramping up their activities in anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections. The SNDP organization was established by social reformer Sree Narayana Guru to uplift the Ezhava community. Javadekar, accompanied by BJP leader Sandeep Vachaspati, arrived at Natesan's residence around 11:30 AM, where he was warmly welcomed, and discussions ensued. The BJP characterized this visit as a friendly gesture, occurring at a time when there are perceptions that Natesan has recently aligned more closely with the Marxist Communist Party (CPI-M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Javadekar remarked, "I always enjoy meeting Natesan-ji. We share a special bond," and noted that he has been inspired by Natesan's efforts through SNDP since childhood. He added, "Our conversations are always pleasant and constructive, so there is practically no political angle to this meeting."

BJP's Aspirations in Kerala

Javadekar highlighted that the BJP's victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation is a pivotal moment for the party in Kerala, akin to their success in Ahmedabad. He recalled, "In Gujarat, our party struggled for many years. We won the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in 1987, when Modi-ji was actively campaigning." Recently, Natesan faced criticism for his comments regarding the denial of permission to establish educational institutions by the SNDP in the Muslim-majority Malappuram district, as well as for labeling a journalist as extremist.

Reactions and Political Dynamics

While leaders from the United Democratic Front (UDF) have strongly condemned these remarks, both the CPI-M and BJP have refrained from denouncing them. Natesan's son, T. Vellapally, serves as the national president of the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).