Vellappally Natesan Predicts IUML Dominance; Warns of “Anarchy” if UDF Wins
SNDP Leader Claims Muslim League Will Seek CM Post and Control Coalition Partners Following Exit Poll Results
KOCHI: Following the release of several exit poll results, SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan has issued a stern warning regarding the future of Kerala’s political landscape. Speaking at a press conference on April 30, 2026, Natesan alleged that if the United Democratic Front (UDF) is voted to power, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) will emerge as the dominant force, effectively “ruling” the state and potentially leading to communal instability and anarchy.
Natesan claimed that the current praise and endorsements from the Muslim League for V.D. Satheesan as the Chief Ministerial candidate are merely strategic ploys to consolidate votes before the final results. He predicted that once the seat counts are finalized, the IUML will use its numbers to stake a claim for the Chief Minister’s post or, at the very least, dictate terms to the Congress party. According to Natesan, the IUML’s ambition has grown to the point where they are now “eyeing constituencies beyond Malabar” to maximize their bargaining power.
He further criticized the leadership of V.D. Satheesan, labeling him a “spokesperson for the IUML” rather than a leader of the Congress. Natesan expressed concern that a UDF victory would mean a “tug of war” between various Congress factions and the IUML, leaving other coalition partners forced to yield to the League’s dominance. He also warned that such a shift in power could trigger communal tensions similar to past incidents in the state.
Despite his critiques, Natesan observed that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has faced stagnation due to its long tenure. He noted that while LDF cadres were less active on the ground during this election cycle, he still expressed a personal hope that the Left might return to power with a narrow majority to maintain communal balance. He concluded by suggesting that the BJP’s vote share would likely increase, impacting the prospects of both major fronts across several constituencies.