Polls: Sivagiri Madhom asks political fronts to ensure adequate representation of backward communities in candidate selection

Sivagiri Madhom president Swami Sathchidananda has asked political fronts in Kerala to ensure that backward communities are adequately represented in the selection of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in the State.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Swami Sathchidananda said failure to ensure sufficient representation would trigger “strong responses” from backward communities. The Sivagiri Madhom head wanted the fronts headed by the CPI(M), Congress and the BJP to make sure that members from these  communities are considered as candidates in seats where they have a strong chance of winning.

The Sivagiri Madhom has declared its stand just when political parties in the State are preparing to announce their candidates for the 2026 Assembly polls.

With specific reference to the Congress, he said that the Madhom had handed over a representation to Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, raising this demand. “Ezhavas, Dheevaras, Viswakarmajars and the SC/ST communities constitute a majority in the Kerala society. We requested him that they be given adequate representation when candidates are picked,” Swami Sathchidananda said.

Care was taken to maintain a balance in community representation from the first Congress government under R. Shankar to the Congress governments under K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony. Since then, candidates from backward communities have not been allotted winning seats, he alleged.  

The Madhom had received numerous complaints regarding inadequate community representation, according to him.

Swami Sathchidananda responded to Thursday’s Kerala High Court verdict ordering the removal of Vellappally Natesan, general secretary of SNDP Yogam, saying that it brings relief to the followers of Sree Narayana Guru. In recent years, the community has been facing a decline notwithstanding the progress made under stalwarts such as P. Palpu, R. Shankar and Sahodaran Ayyappan. While he did not make personal references to Mr. Natesan, Swami Sathchidananda pointed out that a good administration was important for the SNDP Yogam, Kerala and progressive movements in the State.