NSS chief G. Sukumaran Nair signals thaw in relations with Keralam CM

Nair Service Society general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair

Signalling a thaw in his frosty relationship with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Nair Service Society (NSS) general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair has invited him to inaugurate the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of founder Mannathu Padmanabhan at its headquarters at Perunna in Kottayam in January.

Speaking to mediapersons on Friday, Mr. Nair said he had invited the Chief Minister over the phone to participate in the inaugural ceremony and sent a formal invitation letter also. Mr. Satheesan had responded, expressing his willingness to participate, he said. Mr. Nair added that earlier misunderstandings between him and Mr. Satheesan had been resolved following a conversation. “The Chief Minister explained the circumstances under which he made the statement that he would not seek the support of community organisations. We understood the situation and the reasons behind it,” he said. Asked about community leaders recommending names for appointments to the personal staff of Ministers, Mr. Nair denied that the NSS had made any such request.

Strained since 2021

The relationship between the NSS and Mr. Satheesan has remained strained since the latter assumed office as Leader of the Opposition in 2021. The rift, which began over Mr. Satheesan’s comments on political leaders visiting community organisation heads, deepened after the recent Assembly election when Mr. Nair openly criticised the Congress leadership’s decision to elevate him as Chief Minister.

Early in July this year, Mr. Nair had accused the Chief Minister of repeatedly denying the organisation an opportunity to discuss proposed amendments to the Companies Act. Describing Mr. Satheesan as ‘arrogant’, Mr. Nair had asserted that the Chief Minister could do little to undermine the NSS. Although Mr. Satheesan tried to play down his differences with Mr. Nair, the NSS leader said he would no longer seek an appointment with the Chief Minister and would instead explore other avenues to resolve the issue that had prompted his request.

Stating that he would not pursue the matter any further, Mr. Nair had said he had sought an appointment with the office of the Chief Minister and not with Mr. Satheesan in his personal capacity. He even went on to say that the NSS had never encountered such an experience with previous Chief Ministers.

Published - November 13, 2026 07:51 pm IST