Sat Dec 21 08:53:43 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Opposition Leader Downplays Speculation of NSS, SNDP Backing Rival
**Thiruvananthapuram, December 21, 2024** – Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, dismissed rumors that the Nair Service Society (NSS) and Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam are supporting senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala to hinder his own chances of becoming Chief Minister in the 2026 state assembly elections.
Satheesan welcomed the NSS’s invitation to Chennithala for a keynote address at the upcoming Mannam Jayanthi celebrations, stating that such invitations to Congress leaders are a positive sign of their influence. He praised the NSS for resisting attempts by the Sangh Parivar to infiltrate the organization.
Addressing criticism from SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, who called him immature, Satheesan noted Natesan’s prediction of a Congress victory in 2026 as a positive indicator of shifting political tides. He expressed willingness to address Natesan’s concerns and stated his commitment to maintaining positive relationships with community organizations, emphasizing the Congress and UDF’s secular stance. Satheesan concluded that collaborations with community organizations benefit the Congress and UDF, but stressed the need for concerted efforts to secure victory in the upcoming election.
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