With elections fast approaching, the United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership has intensified efforts to mend ties with the Nair Service Society (NSS), the influential community organisation that has aligned with the Left Democratic Front on the Sabarimala issue.In recent days, Congress Working Committee special invitee Kodikkunnil Suresh, KPCC disciplinary committee chairman Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, senior leader P.J. Kurian, and Kerala Congress deputy chairman Francis George visited the NSS headquarters at Perunna and held discussions with its general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair.Speaking to reporters, Mr. Radhakrishnan described his visit as a courtesy call without any political agenda. Mr. George echoed this, saying it was a friendly visit as his late father, Kerala Congress leader K.M. George, had a close relationship with the NSS.The NSS leadership, however, remains firm in its stance and appears unwilling to regard these visits as part of the UDF’s efforts to repair relations. Sources say the NSS leadership believes the UDF is politicising the issue of preserving religious faith rather than genuinely standing with the faithful.“The NSS has raised genuine concerns about the protection of faith. There is no need to politicise the issue. They should clearly articulate their position before making visits to the NSS headquarters,” a senior NSS leader said.Meanwhile, dissent is brewing within a section of the NSS over the stance adopted by Mr. Nair. Members have protested his approach, staging rallies at Neyyattinkara, Pathanamthitta and Chengannur. Banners branding Mr. Nair as a `traitor’ have appeared outside several NSS Karayogam offices.Published - September 30, 2025 08:57 pm IST