The recent Assembly elections in Kerala marked a significant departure from a political tradition that has long shaped the state’s electoral landscape. For perhaps the first time in decades, caste- and community-based organisations played little discernible role in determining the outcome.

The return of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade in the opposition was achieved not because of the blessings of community leaders but despite their hostility or indifference. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan was, in fact, the target of sustained criticism from two of Kerala’s most prominent community leaders.

Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) General Secretary Vellappally Natesan made several disparaging remarks about him, while Nair Service Society (NSS) leader G. Sukumaran Nair virtually........

© Free Press Journal