Kozhikode/Thiruvananthapuram: A controversy has erupted after SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan referred to a journalist as a “terrorist” and “extremist”, prompting a police complaint and drawing sharp criticism from political and media organisations.

A formal complaint has been filed with the Director General of Police by S Sunand, vice president of the Kozhikode district Youth Congress, alleging that Vellappally’s remarks were aimed at identifying religion based on names and portraying religious minorities as extremists. The complaint states that such comments could incite communal division and social discord, and seeks legal action against him. The complaint was submitted via email.

The incident occurred when a journalist questioned Vellappally about his remarks on Malappuram district. Television footage showed him reacting angrily, pushing away a television channel’s microphone and asking the reporter to step aside. Later, during a press conference at his residence in Alappuzha, Vellappally claimed that the journalist was an extremist, described him as being from Eerattupetta, alleged links with the SDPI, and said he was a spokesperson for Muslims. Vellappally also defended his conduct, stating that the journalist had spoken to him disrespectfully.

The remarks drew criticism from the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), which condemned the labelling of journalists on communal lines.

Subsequently, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the ruling ally CPM, also came out strongly against Vellappally’s statement. In a Facebook post, the DYFI said such remarks go against the ideals of Sree Narayana Dharma and weaken collective efforts to counter divisive politics. The organisation urged Vellappally to withdraw his comments, stating that political or ideological disagreements should not lead to communal labelling.