Ezhavas have not received representation they deserve, grateful that CP John showed courage to speak out: Vellappally Natesan

KOCHI: SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan said he is grateful that at least once a political leader has shown the courage to speak out about the neglect faced by the Ezhava community in Kerala. He was responding to the interview of CMP State General Secretary C.P. John that aired in Kerala Kaumudi.

"John is an informed, educated and realistic leader. I am proud that at least John has come forward for the Ezhavas. I am happy that someone like him has openly spoken about the plight of the Ezhavas. John is a well-studied and knowledgeable person in the political, social and economic situations of Kerala. He can understand the minds of the Ezhavas.

This is what I have been saying for decades in the political, social, economic and administrative fields. No one paid attention. When determining candidates from the Panchayat to the Parliament elections, all parties are trampling on the Ezhavas who are ahead with their strength. There is only one Ezhava MLA in the Congress. Everyone will kneel before organized religious forces and vote banks.

Everyone wants the vote of the Ezhava. However, when it comes to party positions and candidate selection, they are untouchables. The Ezhavas have not received their due representation from any party in the three-tier panchayat, assembly, parliament and ministries neither yesterday nor today. Especially in the Congress, the Ezhavas are being marginalized. There is a situation where even the KPCC president is being neglected. Even if the Congress leadership does not admit it, it is a reality. Perhaps even that Ezhava will no longer be in office after the elections.

Everyone wants the vote of the Ezhava. But when it comes to party positions and candidate selection, it is untouchable. The Ezhavas have not received their due representation from any party in the three-tier panchayat, assembly, parliament and ministries. Especially in the Congress, the Ezhavas are being marginalized. There is a situation where even the KPCC president is being neglected. Even if the Congress leadership does not admit it, it is a reality. Perhaps after the elections, even that Ezhava will no longer be in office.

Social justice is what is needed in democracy. Unfortunately, that social justice is not being implemented here. If only organized communities have access to the inner sanctums of power, it will disintegrate the social system. All political parties have the obligation and responsibility to give respectable representation to the Ezhava community in party positions and chairs of power. If they deny it, the consequences will be reflected in the elections. If the backward classes become a large section of dissatisfied people, in the coming elections they will respond in a way they should have responded earlier. It will adversely affect all fronts. May the leaders of other political parties also have the wisdom of CP John.