The Congress party in Kerala has been pushed into a phase of urgent damage control following unexpected remarks by G. Sukumaran Nair, the General Secretary of the influential Nair Service Society (NSS). His praise for the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s handling of the first Global Ayyappa Sangamam, held on September 20 at Pampa near the Sabarimala temple, has unsettled the Congress leadership. The comments struck a sensitive chord as they touched upon both religion and politics, two deeply intertwined aspects of Kerala’s socio-political fabric, and created ripples within the party’s traditional vote base. For decades, Congress has leaned heavily on the support of the Nair community, making this development particularly worrisome.
The NSS represents the Hindu Nair community, a historically significant and politically active section of Kerala’s population. The organisation has long stood as a pillar of support for the Congress, especially during moments of political turbulence. Its influence was most prominently seen during the widespread protests following the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple. At that time, the NSS not only played a central role in mobilising opposition to the ruling but also took the matter to court, demonstrating its ability to shape both legal and social narratives. Against this backdrop, Sukumaran Nair’s perceived appreciation of the LDF’s changed stance regarding Sabarimala customs has caused unease in the Congress camp, raising fears of erosion in its loyal support base.
In his interview, Nair stated that the LDF government had revised its earlier position and assured that the traditions and rituals of Sabarimala would be preserved. He added a sharp critique of the Congress, remarking that the party seemed disinterested in Hindu votes and was perhaps focusing only on minority support. These words, viewed as both an endorsement of the LDF and a veiled criticism of the Congress, have alarmed party leaders who worry about the political fallout. Recognising the seriousness of the issue, Congress leaders quickly began outreach efforts to bridge the gap with the NSS and reaffirm their commitment to maintaining good relations with the community.
Responding to the controversy, AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal stressed that Congress has always nurtured strong ties with community organisations like the NSS. He explained that the party remains aligned with the organisation’s stance on major issues and acknowledged the possibility of miscommunication. Venugopal assured that such gaps would be addressed immediately, underscoring the Congress’s willingness to listen to concerns and act in a manner that respects the sentiments of its support groups. His statement was an attempt to calm the situation and present Congress as a party sensitive to the nuances of Kerala’s social and cultural dynamics.
Opposition leader VD Satheesan also intervened to downplay the controversy, describing the NSS’s statements as issue-specific rather than permanent shifts in allegiance. He highlighted that the NSS had consistently declared its intention to remain equidistant from all political parties during elections, a position that prevents any single party from claiming exclusive loyalty. Satheesan further justified the Congress’s opposition to the Ayyappa summit, pointing out that their stance was taken after careful internal deliberations. With the summit not achieving the impact expected by its organisers, he claimed that the Congress’s position had been vindicated.
At the same time, Satheesan acknowledged the broader political reality, noting that if the CPI(M) was indeed trying to forge ties with the NSS, it was simply part of the electoral competition in Kerala. In his view, political parties naturally attempt to build relationships with influential community organisations to strengthen their prospects. He emphasised that Kerala’s political environment is highly interactive, where dialogue, persuasion, and influence are constant elements of the electoral process. This acknowledgment placed the controversy within the larger framework of political maneuvering, suggesting that such shifts and signals are part of normal political practice rather than permanent realignments.
Overall, the incident has underscored the delicate balance the Congress must maintain in Kerala. On one hand, it cannot afford to alienate the Nair community, which has been a reliable support base. On the other hand, it must continue its engagement with minority groups and other social constituencies that are vital to its coalition politics. Sukumaran Nair’s remarks, while not signaling a definitive political shift, have served as a reminder of how quickly the dynamics of community support can change in Kerala’s competitive political landscape. For the Congress, this episode has become a test of its ability to reassure its traditional supporters while navigating the pressures of contemporary electoral politics.
