Vellapally Natesan, a prominent leader of Kerala’s Hindu Ezhava community, has sparked a major controversy after making comments about the state’s changing population. He warned that Kerala could soon become a Muslim-majority state and blamed Hindu women for “reducing reproduction.”

Speaking at a leadership meeting of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in Kottayam on Saturday, Natesan claimed that both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) were supporting the Muslim community politically. He urged Hindus to stay united to protect their influence in the state.

“If the Ezhavas unite, we can decide who should rule Kerala,” Natesan said, referring to the largest Hindu caste group in the state.

He also spoke against what he called “religious dominance” in public decisions. Natesan pointed to a recent case about extending school timings, where Samastha, a Muslim organisation, had reportedly asked the government to reduce Onam and Christmas holidays instead.

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

Natesan also mentioned a statement once made by former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, who said Kerala might become a Muslim-majority state by 2040. Natesan added, “Doesn’t look like we’ll have to wait till 2040,” and pointed to population changes in voting areas.

He said, “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.

This is not the first time Natesan has made such remarks. In April this year, he had said:
“Malappuram is a different country. It is a state of different people. 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.”

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