The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam board has passed a resolution commending Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for swift legal action against a social media user accused of distorting and mocking the physical appearance of Sree Narayana Guru. 

The board also demanded a thorough investigation into all complaints against the accused, Subhash. It backed a protest march and sit-in planned for October 6 outside his private temple at Peramangalam.

The meeting was chaired by SNDP Yogam president Dr M.N. Soman, while general secretary Vellappally Natesan presented the report.

However, Natesan's public remarks appeared to differ from the board's resolution, as he criticised Satheesan's style of functioning and called on the Chief Minister to demonstrate greater maturity.

Natesan flags government challenges, criticises CM

Speaking on Friday, Natesan said Satheesan needed to change his approach. He accused the Chief Minister of using disrespectful language, failing to recognise the stature of his office and displaying arrogance.

Natesan also pointed to several challenges facing the government, including the ongoing electricity crisis, shortages of medicines acknowledged by the Health Minister and violent street clashes in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said it was too early to assess the government's performance. At the same time, he observed that former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had secured two consecutive terms on merit.

The contrasting remarks come against the backdrop of changing equations between Satheesan and Natesan.

During the Assembly election campaign, when Satheesan was the Leader of the Opposition, Natesan launched sharp political attacks against him. Natesan had challenged Satheesan to go into political exile if his front failed to win 100 seats.

Relations appeared to ease after Satheesan became Chief Minister. Natesan subsequently played down his political exile challenge, describing it as rhetoric.

In a gesture signalling a thaw, Natesan's son, Thushar Vellappally, visited Satheesan's residence in Aluva with a bouquet on the Chief Minister's birthday. Around the same period, Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna visited Natesan's residence in Alappuzha.

Thushar later clarified that the SNDP Yogam maintained a neutral position towards all political parties and that his father's criticism of Satheesan reflected his personal views.

High Court examines sanction in SNDP microfinance case

Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court is examining legal issue concerning alleged irregularities in the SNDP Yogam's microfinance activities.

On September 22, the court reserved its order on whether prior government sanction is necessary to prosecute the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act in a case involving an alleged microfinance fraud of Rs 15.85 crore. The accused include SNDP Yogam office-bearers, including Natesan.

The state government told the court that prosecution sanction was not required because the accused were private individuals. However, the Vigilance prosecutor argued that such sanction was necessary.

The court's order on the issue will determine whether prior government approval is required for prosecution in the case.