Focus on perceived strengthening of ties between UDF and community organisations

As Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala steps in to inaugurate the 148th Mannam Jayanti celebrations by the Nair Service Society (NSS), the spotlight has shifted to a perceived strengthening of the rapport between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the influential community organisations in central Travancore.

For Mr. Chennithala, a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee, this invitation by the NSS marks the end of a decade-long estrangement from the NSS. Also, the selection of Kottayam MP Francis George, a Kerala Congress leader, as the keynote speaker seems to have served a political message.

In an official statement, the NSS clarified that Mr. Chennithala would now inaugurate the event, replacing Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani, who will not be attending the event due to official commitments.

“Mr. Chennithala was initially invited for the keynote address. However, with Mr. Venkataramani unable to attend, Mr. Chennithala will inaugurate the event, and K. Francis George, MP, will deliver the keynote address,” said the NSS in a press release.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF), particularly the Kerala Congress (M), views this as an instance of its waning influence among central Travancore’s community groups. Prolonged disagreements with key organisations such as the Catholic Church and the NSS have compounded this concern.

“Not just Mr. Chennithala, but Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has also become increasingly visible at events hosted by community organisations,” observed a senior leader. “For instance, Mr. Satheesan is set to attend major religious conventions, including at Maramon and the Hindu religious meet at Cherukolpuzha, in the coming months. Last month, he participated in a Catholic Church event at Changanassery, while another event in December saw the presence of Shashi Tharoor. This growing presence of the United Democratic Front leaders is undoubtedly troubling for the LDF, particularly the KC(M),” he added.

The Catholic Church has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the LDF on issues such as the Waqf land controversy and the Kerala Forest Amendment Bill. Although the KC(M) has highlighted these concerns within the ruling front, the absence of concrete resolutions has only deepened its predicament.

Mannam Jayanti

The 148th Mannam Jayanti celebrations will be held at the NSS headquarters at Perunna, Changanassery, on January 1 and 2. The two-day event will feature the Nair delegates’ meet on January 1, followed by the Jayanti celebrations on January 2.

The festivities will begin with floral tributes at the Mannam Samadhi on January 1. NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair will deliver a speech highlighting the NSS’ activities, achievements, and stance on various socio-political issues. NSS president M. Sasikumar will preside over the events, including the Jayanti meeting on January 2.