‘Vellappally’s remarks deter others from voting for Ezhava candidates’: Swami Sachidananda

Varkala (Kerala): Swami Sachidananda, the head of Sivagiri Mutt, has launched a scathing attack on Vellappally Natesan. Speaking during the Mathrubhumi Election Bus journey, the Swami stated that Vellappally's controversial statements have created a situation where other religious and social groups are reluctant to vote for Ezhava candidates. He remarked that while Vellappally speaks according to his own "culture”, he himself could not stoop to respond in the same manner. He further noted that no political front had heeded the Mutt's request to give adequate representation to backward classes.

When asked about the candidate lists announced by the various political fronts, Swami Sachidananda said, "It is essential for the current era to uplift and bring the oppressed and backward sections into the mainstream. While Sree Narayana Guru initiated a renaissance with the Aruvipuram consecration, today, these backward sections are being sidelined politically." He clarified that the request for fair representation was made not just to Rahul Gandhi, but also to the LDF and NDA. "I read in the newspapers that Rahul Gandhi had assured our views would be respected, but looking at the final lists, it cannot be said that justice has been served," he added.

Regarding the exclusion of specific leaders like Adoor Prakash and K Sudhakaran, the Swami clarified that his concern was not for a single community but for all backward groups, including the Dheevara and Vishwakarma communities, as well as SC/ST groups. He pointed out that while the Ezhava community received some seats, the Vishwakarma community received none, and the Dheevara community was also underrepresented.

Addressing Vellappally’s previous criticisms against him, the Swami said, "Vellappally has a particular culture he has practised over time. I cannot react based on that same culture. His stance is causing significant harm to the Ezhava and other backward communities. By positioning every other community as an enemy and criticising them, he has ensured that when backward class candidates contest, other groups refuse to vote for them, leading to their defeat."

The friction began when the Sivagiri Mutt submitted a list of 18 potential candidates to Rahul Gandhi during the conclusion of his Puthuyuga Yatra, a move that Vellappally Natesan had harshly criticised.