NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair said the NSS has never criticized the actions or the controversy surrounding the Kerala government. Nair’s statement came as a reply to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remarked that NSS is frequently criticizing the government.
“NSS still follows the equidistance policy. Those believing that they can intimidate NSS leaders through these statements are living in a fool’s paradise,” Nair said.
Nair said that the NSS demanded three things from the LDF government. The NSS general secretary said the LDF government should favour the believers in the Sabarimala women entry issue. Nair also said that the Kerala government should implement the Centre’s 10% financial reservation and impose it in the state. The NSS said Mannam Jayanti Day should be included under the Negotiable Instrumentation Act. Mannam Jayanti day is the birth anniversary of Mannath Padmanabhan on January 2. NSS said that they discussed these three issues with the LDF government, but the issues were rejected.
The Chief Minister had earlier questioned the NSS was strange behaviour against the LDF government. Vijayan asked reporters to question NSS general secretary regarding the Society’s behaviour and added that the Kerala government had no problems with NSS.
Vijayan said the doors of the LDF are always open to those believing in the values of secularism and democracy. “Many are raising doubts over the criticisms raised by NSS on the state government. The presspersons must ask Sukumaran Nair what is the reason for this weird behaviour of NSS,” Vijayan said, adding that the government has no problems with the NSS.”
Earlier, CPM Politburo member MA Baby said the Left is not willing to fight with the NSS and added the Left has always taken a stand to protect people’s faith.
“NSS has generally adopted an equidistant policy towards political parties. The left front has left no stone unturned to protect people’s faith,” Baby said, alleging that BJP and UDF are trying to destroy religious faiths.