Ezhava Leader Sparks Outrage with 'Terrorist' Remark, Accuses IUML of Fanning Communal Tensions

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{ "title": "Ezhava Leader Sparks Outrage with 'Terrorist' Remark, Accuses IUML of Fanning Communal Tensions", "article": "Ezhava community leader Vellappally Natesan has sparked a heated controversy after labeling a television journalist a 'terrorist' and accusing the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of plotting to incite communal riots in Kerala. Natesan, the general secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, has been a vocal critic of the IUML and the Congress-led UDF, particularly in the Malappuram district where the IUML is a major force. He claims that the IUML has stifled the SNDP's efforts to establish educational institutions in the district, despite having 48 unaided colleges of its own. Natesan alleged that the IUML's motive is to create divisions between the Ezhava and Muslim communities, reminiscent of the Marad riots in 2003. He also accused the IUML of spreading anti-Ezhava sentiments within the Muslim community. The controversy erupted when Natesan called a television journalist a 'terrorist' during a press briefing at his residence. The journalist was accused of trying to incite communal tensions by urging Natesan to make a provocative speech in Sivagiri. Natesan also claimed that the journalist had previously been a member of the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student outfit of the IUML. The IUML and its allies have condemned Natesan's remarks, with Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of using Natesan as a pawn to create communal divisions. The CPI(M) and CM Vijayan have yet to respond to Natesan's allegations. The incident has sparked a heated debate in Kerala, with many calling for Natesan to retract his comments and for the IUML to address the concerns of the SNDP and other social outfits in the state."