Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Nair Service Society (NSS) general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair have cleared their differences after a telephone conversation, Sukumaran Nair confirmed to the media on Friday morning, ending a public strain in relations between the Congress-led government and one of the state's most influential community organisations.

Source: IANS via NewKerala

"Things have been cleared, and he explained to me why he had said what he said some time back. I spoke to him over the phone. Now there are no issues as everything has been cleared," Sukumaran Nair said.

Source: Daily Kiran

First Perunna visit in five years

With the differences behind them, Satheesan will visit the NSS headquarters at Perunna in Changanassery, Kottayam district, after a gap of five years. He will inaugurate the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of NSS founder Mannathu Padmanabhan on January 2, 2027, and will also inaugurate the Mannam Jayanthi day conference, which State Minister K. Muraleedharan is scheduled to attend.

Source: The Hindu via MyPressToday

How the rift began

Relations between Satheesan and the NSS leadership had been strained following a public exchange of remarks after he became Chief Minister. The controversy began when Satheesan said he had no intention of going around seeking the favour of community leaders. The remark reportedly upset Sukumaran Nair, who responded that Satheesan himself had visited him before the elections. The two had not publicly indicated any reconciliation after Satheesan assumed office, until discussions between the Chief Minister and the NSS leadership, followed by the phone call, paved the way for the visit.

The NSS, which represents the Hindu Nair community, has a considerable presence in Kerala's social and political landscape. Satheesan's visit is being seen as an important step towards restoring cordial relations between the Congress-led government and the organisation.