Strategic alliance: LDF's calculated moves to secure NSS support ahead of elections

Thiruvananthapuram: The Nair Service Society (NSS) General Secretary Sukumaran Nair’s recent endorsement of the government ahead of elections is being seen as a boost for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) as it eyes a third term.

Observers say the support does not reflect a sudden shift by the NSS, which had previously been at odds with the government and the CPM. Rather, it is the result of a calculated effort by the LDF to address the NSS grievances and strengthen ties. Government and party interventions, including initiatives from the Chief Minister, played a key role, while the Congress’s failure to maintain cordial relations with the NSS contributed to its distance from the organisation.

The NSS and the LDF had clashed indirectly during the Vattiyoorkavu by-election in the first Pinarayi government. The constituency, influential for the NSS, saw its stance overridden by political considerations, teaching the CPM that political strategy can outweigh the positions of community organisations.

The CPM’s approach has often been to publicly question community organisations’ political stances while keeping their members aligned, a tactic also used with the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) after its defeat in the last Lok Sabha elections. With 2026 marking a potentially historic third term, the CPM is determined to secure community support.

Minister VN Vasavan, known for his strong rapport with Sukumaran Nair, played a pivotal role in facilitating the rapprochement. His diplomatic skills, previously seen in bringing the Kerala Congress (Mani Group) to the Left camp, were instrumental in this effort.

Additionally, the government and Chief Minister took steps to reconcile with the NSS, including addressing concerns over teacher appointment reservations and personally meeting Sukumaran Nair during his health issues. The organisation’s support was further consolidated around the Global Ayyappa Summit.

Meanwhile, the Congress and opposition failed to rebuild ties with the NSS, leaving a vacuum that contributed to the organisation’s shift in favour of the Left. The absence of leaders like Oommen Chandy, who could have recognised the distancing and intervened, also played a role. Analysts say these factors collectively tilted the NSS towards the LDF.