Never shunned any community, Satheesan counters NSS chief

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader V D Satheesan, on Sunday, said that he had never disowned any religion or community and he had sought votes from all communities during elections. He was replying to charges levelled against him by NSS general secretary Sukumaran Nair that he had disowned NSS after he got elected.
“When I was elected as the opposition leader, NSS had come with the same charges. I have never disowned NSS. Secularism means bringing all communities together and taking all along with us. Yes, it is a fact that I had taken a stand during Thrikkakara byelection that we do not want the vote of communal elements,” said Satheesan.
He made it clear that he has an open stand towards communities and community leaders. “There is no need to bow down before community leaders and community organizations. There is no harm in seeking votes from all communities during elections. It is a usual practice adopted by all the political parties,” he added.
Nair had lashed out at Satheesan at a public function organized at Paravur, the constituency of the opposition leader. Nair alleged that Satheesan had disowned the community and its leadership. “He had sought the support of the NSS before the election and later disowned the community after the election,” Nair had said.