Left's defeat caused by corruption, arrogance and high-handedness of some leaders: Vellappally

CHERTHALA: SN Trust General Secretary Vellappally Natesan has blamed the alleged corruption, arrogance and high-handedness of some Left leaders for the failure to form a third consecutive Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala. He also said attempts should not be made to hold him responsible for the Left Front's defeat. Vellappally alleged that several Left leaders had developed a “feudal mindset” during the previous government's tenure. He was speaking while delivering the welcome address at the 73rd annual general meeting of the Sree Narayana Trust.

Vellappally also launched a sharp attack on former Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer, saying, “Shamseer is not a Communist. He is a Muslim League man.”

He alleged that Shamseer's remarks against him were aimed at making it appear that Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible for the Left's defeat.

“Shamseer turned against me because he cannot directly take on Pinarayi,” Vellappally said.

Referring to Shamseer's remark that the Left's defeat was partly due to the party not taking a stronger stand against Vellappally's controversial Malappuram speech, he said, “This shows that an attempt is being made to put the blame for the Left's defeat on Pinarayi.”

Vellappally said Pinarayi had risen through years of political struggle and repression, while Shamseer had become a leader under more favourable circumstances.

“Pinarayi is someone who became a leader after enduring years of struggle and severe repression. Shamseer became a leader while enjoying favourable circumstances,” he said.

He also defended his earlier criticism of the Muslim League.

“When attempts were made to portray me as a communalist because of my stand against the Muslim League, Pinarayi was the only one who pointed out that my criticism was directed at the League and not the Muslim community. I have never accepted any favour from the Left or Pinarayi Vijayan. Even when my organisation or I faced several cases, I never sought his help. During the 10 years of the Left government's rule, I met Pinarayi personally only four or five times,” Vellappally said.

Vellappally alleged that the Ezhava community had been neglected even as benefits were given generously to minority communities.

“I will not disown Pinarayi. But even after another 100 years, there will not be an Ezhava Chief Minister in Kerala under either of the two major fronts,” he said.

He also alleged that people were afraid to speak against the Muslim League.

“Those who speak in the name of religion are becoming ministers, while those who speak about secularism are being forced to the streets,” he said.

Vellappally further said those demanding his “blood” had done little for society or their own community.

'Corruption and looting in Devaswom Boards'

The Trust's annual report also alleged that all five Devaswom Boards were steeped in corruption and looting. It claimed that the boards had become a system for giving positions to certain leaders for two or three years and ensuring their financial security for the rest of their lives. The report alleged that only a few among those who had served on the boards had not engaged in exploitation or theft. It also claimed that very few had not misappropriated money from temple offering boxes. The report further alleged that the Ezhava community did not have representation in the UDF ministry in proportion to its population. It claimed that 12 of the 21 members of the Cabinet belonged to minority communities.