Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan says he did not refuse to meet NSS leadership

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday refuted the allegation that he had refused a meeting with the leadership of the Nair Service Society (NSS). To questions at a post-Cabinet press briefing here, the Chief Minister replied that he had in fact spoken to NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair after the latter contacted his private secretary. They had a “very cordial” conversation and agreed to meet, he said.

‘Reports untrue’

According to Mr. Satheesan, Mr. Sukumaran Nair had tried to contact him on phone but could not as he was in the midst of preparing the 2026-27 Revised Budget, Mr. Satheesan said, adding that he had returned the call. He termed the reports that he refused to meet the NSS leadership untrue.

Aikya Vedi leaders

On his meeting with Hindu Aikya Vedi leaders, the Chief Minister said that he met them openly and not secretly as Pinarayi Vijayan did with RSS leaders. The Vedi leaders had requested a meeting with him, and they had met him during the public’s visiting hours and handed over a representation. Mr. Satheesan said he was the Chief Minister of the State and not just the Congress or the UDF.

“I didn’t meet them in secret. I did not meet RSS leaders in secret at Hotel Mascot keeping the media away as Pinarayi Vijayan did,” he said. Mr. Satheesan was responding to allegations levelled by CPI(M) leader and former Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas regarding his meetings with Sangh Parivar leaders.