The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Kerala State secretariat has publicly condemned BJP leader Vellappally Natesan’s remarks questioning the secular credentials of former Assembly Speaker M. Shamseer, warning that such comments provide fodder for communalism in the state.
The controversy erupted after Natesan, a senior BJP functionary from Malappuram district, alleged that Shamseer harbors the mentality of the Indian Union Muslim League, suggesting that the former speaker’s secular posture masks communal leanings. CPI(M) leaders swiftly dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and politically motivated, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoing the party’s condemnation during a public event on Saturday.
The criticism comes amid intensifying political tensions over the perceived politicization of religious identities in Kerala’s electoral discourse, as parties gear up for the 2026 assembly elections. CPI(M) officials argue that such allegations undermine constructive debate and risk inflaming communal sensitivities at a time when the state continues to grapple with communal tensions in several districts.
The party’s statement did not provide additional details on the specific context of Natesan’s comments, nor did it outline any planned action beyond the public rebuke. However, senior CPI(M) leaders indicated that the party will monitor similar statements from opposition parties and take appropriate action if the trend continues.
Analysis: The CPI(M)’s swift response reflects its strategic approach of defending secular norms while countering opposition narratives that seek to link political adversaries with communal organizations. By labeling the remarks as “absurd,” the party aims to delegitimize the criticism and reinforce its own stance as a guardian of secularism in a state where communal politics has historically been a sensitive issue. This exchange also highlights the broader contest over identity politics in Kerala’s upcoming elections, where parties frequently scrutinize each other’s religious affiliations and communal connections.
M. Shamseer, who served as the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2016 to 2021, has been a prominent figure in Kerala politics for over three decades. Representing the Indian National Congress from Kozhikode, he has held various ministerial portfolios and has been recognized for his constitutional role as Assembly Speaker, which requires neutrality in political matters. Shamseer’s career has been marked by his emphasis on procedural fairness and his efforts to maintain the dignity of the legislative process, regardless of his party’s position in government.
Vellappally Natesan, a veteran BJP leader from the majority-Muslim Malappuram district, has been active in the party’s expansion efforts in Kerala. His comments appear to reflect the BJP’s broader strategy of challenging the secular credentials of opposition leaders, particularly those from parties with historical ties to the Indian National Congress. The BJP has been attempting to strengthen its position in Kerala, where it currently holds a small number of seats, by positioning itself as a secular alternative to traditional parties.
The CPI(M) has historically positioned itself as the primary defender of secular politics in Kerala, a stance that has helped it maintain its dominance in the state despite declining national influence. The party’s reaction to Natesan’s remarks underscores its concern about the erosion of secular discourse in political debates, particularly as communal tensions have resurfaced in several parts of the state in recent years.
Political analysts note that the exchange reflects a broader trend in Kerala’s electoral politics, where parties increasingly engage in identity-based campaigning rather than focusing on governance issues. The 2021 assembly elections saw heightened communal overtones, with parties making explicit references to religious identities in their campaign rhetoric. This shift has raised concerns among civil society groups about the potential for increased communal polarization ahead of the 2026 elections.
The CPI(M) government under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has faced criticism from opposition parties regarding various governance issues, including the recent floods in Idukki district and the state’s preparedness for such events. The government has defended its response measures and attributed the challenges to unprecedented rainfall patterns, while opposition parties have seized on the issue to question the administration’s disaster management capabilities.
Sources:
– The Hindu – National, “CPI(M) slams Vellappally Natesan for questioning Shamseer’s secular credentials,” article71378534.ece, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/cpim-slams-vellappally-natesan-for-questioning-shamseers-secular-credentials/article71378534.ece
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
