From equidistance to slightly left; NSS 'shock' for UDF and BJP

KOTTAYAM: After being disconcerted over a slew of issues, including women's entry in Sabarimala, NSS General Secretary G Sukumaran Nair made pro-government remarks for the Global Ayyappa conclave, sending shockwaves to both UDF and BJP.

The NSS General Secretary openly expressed his faith in this government and supported the stance on the Sabarimala issue. He even rebuked the UDF and BJP for their politics on the issue. It is estimated that the NSS's leaning towards the government will be reflected in the local body and assembly elections. Some believe that the rift between Opposition Leader V D Satheesan and the NSS leadership is also the reason for the organisation swaying away from its all-time ally, Congress.

It is deemed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's visit to G. Sukumaran Nair, who was undergoing treatment, broke the ice. Minister Vasavan and others often visited the NSS headquarters to apprise the leadership of the government’s position on Sabarimala. This has now yielded results. NSS Vice President Sangeeth Kumar even attended the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. The NSS view the event as a platform where the government corrected its wrong over the temple issue.

Sukumaran Nair accused the Congress of playing a false game and being involved in appeasement politics while ignoring the majority community. He even reserved criticism for BJP, saying that the central government did nothing productive for the believers even after the Sabarimala issue.

“The NSS held a Namajapa procession against the women's entry verdict. The Congress and BJP abstained. The Devaswom Minister and the CM have promised to protect the customs of Sabrimala temple,” said Sukumaran Nair.

It is expected that NSS will firmly announce their future political stance in their mouthpiece in the coming edition. Experts believe that the NSS would continue with their equidistant policy regardless of its sudden leaning towards the left.