The proposed Nair–Ezhava unity initiative has hit an abrupt roadblock, with the Nair Service Society (NSS) formally withdrawing from the talks and declaring the matter a closed chapter. The Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham (SNDP), however, has chosen a more restrained response, signalling that it remains open to dialogue despite the setback.

The NSS pulled out of the proposed alliance alleging that the unity call made by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan carried an undisclosed political agenda. The organisation suspects that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with the political ambitions of Vellappally and his son Thushar Vellappally, played a role in shaping the proposal. According to NSS leaders, these concerns prompted the organisation to shut the door on further discussions.

The collapse of the initiative is widely seen as a blow to the BJP’s electoral calculations in Kerala, as the party had hoped that Hindu consolidation could translate into gains in the upcoming Assembly elections. Against this backdrop, Vellappally’s conciliatory tone is being viewed as a tactical move to keep the possibility of unity alive without antagonising the NSS leadership.

Speaking at a general body meeting of the SN Trust in Cherthala, Vellappally attributed the breakdown to decisions taken by the NSS director board and defended NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair. Emphasising communal harmony, he described the Nair community as a “brother community” and said unity may be delayed but not defeated. He also warned that sectarian divisions would not last forever.

The NSS, however, rejected the claim that its board was responsible for the withdrawal. Sukumaran Nair clarified that he personally proposed the decision to step back, which was unanimously endorsed by the board.

Vellappally later reiterated that the unity call was not an election-driven move and was envisioned as a broader social reconciliation, extending beyond any single community or political framework.