KOCHI: In a calculated attempt to fine-tune caste and community equations ahead of the assembly elections, the Congress has joined hands with the Sivagiri Mutt to organise an event marking the centenary of the historic meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will inaugurate the event, tentatively scheduled for February 18, at Ashramam Maidan in Kollam.
With the BJP and the CPM aggressively flagging what they describe as the Muslim League’s dominance within the UDF, the Congress feels it important to convince Hindu voters that the perception is misplaced. The Kollam event is being viewed as a step in that direction.
Relieved by NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair’s decision to pull the plug on Nair - Ezhava unity proposed by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, the Congress has stepped up efforts to woo both communities.
Despite being the largest Hindu community in Kerala, accounting for 24% of the state’s population, Ezhava representation within the Congress has steadily declined. Currently, the party has just one MLA from the community. Attingal MP and UDF convenor Adoor Prakash has taken the lead in addressing apprehensions among Ezhavas.
Not aware of event, says Vellappally
“The Congress has been organising various programmes to celebrate social transformation in Kerala. We had organised the centenary celebration of Vaikom Satyagraha, which was inaugurated by Mallikarjun Kharge. The AICC has taken the initiative to associate with the Sivagiri Mutt to celebrate the centenary of the Gandhi-Guru meet,” chairman of the event’s reception committee M Liju told TNIE. Confirming the participation of Sivagiri Mutt, Sivagiri Dharma Sangham Trust general secretary Swami Subhangananda said the event is part of year-long celebrations launched in March 2025.
“The programme is being organised in association with Priyadarshini Foundation. Seers from the Sivagiri Mutt will be participating in the event. The AICC had organised a big event in Mangaluru which was inaugurated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in December 2025,” he said.
Sharing details of the event, Sivagiri Trust member Swami Jnana Theertha said the centenary of the interfaith conference will be marked on the occasion. Besides, there will be Guru Parinirvana pooja and Yathi Pooja. On why the Mutt is associating with a party to celebrate the centenary of Guru-Gandhi meet, he said no other party will be keen to participate.
“It is the Congress that understands the significance of the discussion between Gurudevan and Gandhiji. The Karnataka government had organised an event to mark the occasion. During the programme, Sivagiri Mutt chief Swami Satchidananda asked AICC general secretary K C Venugopal why a similar event was not being held in Kerala. The proposal was subsequently made, and we agreed to it. The decision was taken long back, but the event got delayed by about a month,” he said.
On the participation of the SNDP Yogam in the event, Swami Jnana Theertha said Adoor Prakash had personally met Vellappally and extended an invitation. However, Vellappally said he was not aware of the event. “Adoor Prakash visited me a month ago, but there was no discussion of this event. I am glad that those who never involved themselves with Gurudevan are now celebrating him. The intention behind organising such an event ahead of an election is quite clear. If one is truly celebrating Gurudevan, is it right to turn it into a political event?” he asked.