Kochi, June 22 (IANS) The long-running political and community battle between senior Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran and SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan has resurfaced with the suicide case of former SNDP microfinance coordinator K.K. Maheshan becoming the latest flashpoint.

Sudheeran has stepped up his attack, writing again to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, demanding the appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged lapses in the investigation into Maheshan’s death.

He said that despite submitting a complaint to the Chief Minister on June 6, there had been no effective action so far.

Maheshan, who was also Secretary of the SNDP Yogam Kanichukulangara Union, died by suicide in 2020.

His wife, Usha Devi, has alleged that he was driven to the extreme step due to mental harassment and threats.

Sudheeran, in his letter, forwarded her complaint and sought urgent intervention against those responsible.

The latest move has added a fresh layer to the decades-old friction between Sudheeran and Natesan, with both leaders frequently crossing swords over political and social issues.

Sudheeran, who has often taken strong positions on matters involving the SNDP leadership, has again accused Natesan of adopting a posture that challenges the legal system.

The issue also comes at a politically sensitive time for the Left, with sections of CPI-M cadres raising questions over former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s close association with Natesan during internal discussions following the Left’s recent electoral setbacks.

Party-level meetings reviewing the poll performance had reportedly witnessed criticism over the perceived proximity between the two leaders.

The relationship between Vijayan and Natesan had come under the spotlight last year during the Global Ayyappa Conference, when Natesan travelled in Vijayan’s official vehicle, and the two leaders were seen walking together, a visual that triggered political debate.

Natesan, who holds significant influence among the powerful Ezhava community through the SNDP Yogam, has remained a key figure in Kerala’s social and political landscape.

His name has also recently figured in a vigilance case, adding another dimension to the scrutiny surrounding him. Sudheeran has now urged the Satheesan government to act differently from the previous administration, alleging that the earlier government maintained silence over the Maheshan issue.

He has also sent a copy of his letter to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.

With the Maheshan case once again entering political discourse, the controversy is likely to test the Satheesan government’s approach towards a sensitive issue involving law, community leadership and political equations.

–IANS

sg/vd