Vellappally Natesan’s remarks came from his experience with IUML, says K T Jaleel

Kozhikode: Left-backed independent MLA K T Jaleel defended SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan's controversial remarks and said they were based on his adverse experiences with IUML when it was a part of UDF regime. Jaleel said it was wrong to interpret Natesan's statement as being against Muslims or against Malappuram district as a whole."Malappuram is home to Muslims, Hindus and people of other communities. How can a remark about Malappuram be interpreted as being solely against Muslims? This is a narrative deliberately pushed by IUML as a safety valve. If someone makes a comment about Thiruvananthapuram or Kollam, can it be termed as being against Hindus, who form the majority there? No one argues that way. But when anything is said about Malappuram, projecting it as an attack on Muslims is dangerous," he said.Jaleel said leaders from the opposite side often made similar remarks. "Several leaders of Muslim organizations make such statements, but they do not attract attention as they are ignored. Can those remarks be described as being against Hindus?" he asked.Jaleel said IUML had maintained close ties with Natesan for decades from the time he headed the Pinnokka Samudaya Munnani. "If, even after such a long association, Natesan has not been able to properly understand Malappuram or IUML, then that reflects the failure of IUML," he said.