NSS denies permission for security checks at Mannam Samadhi ahead of Vice-President’s visit

The Nair Service Society (NSS) leadership declined permission for security checks at the Mannam Samadhi Mandapam in Perunna ahead of the visit of Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Changanassery in Kottayam on Saturday. The decision by the community organisation, made on Friday, prompted the security team, comprising the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kerala Police to withdraw without conducting the checks, necessitating a revision of the Vice President’s itinerary.

According to the police, the Vice-President is scheduled to arrive in Changanassery to participate in the concluding celebrations of SB College’s centenary on Saturday. His itinerary includes landing at the NSS Hindu College ground at Perunna and proceeding to the nearby Mannam Samadhi to pay floral tributes. However, the objections raised by the NSS have complicated these plans.

“The Vice-President’s office conveyed his intention to pay floral tributes at Mannam Samadhi. However, the NSS authorities have expressed reservations about security checks at the Samadhi Mandapam. We have temporarily suspended the checks and informed the Vice-President’s office and are awaiting further instructions,” official sources said. NSS sources said the objection pertained solely to inspections at the Samadhi Mandapam involving police dogs.

Rao’s visit

In 1996, the visit of then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to the NSS headquarters had kicked up a controversy following allegations that security personnel desecrated the Mannam Samadhi by entering there wearing shoes. This incident caused significant backlash, leading to the National Democratic Party (NDP), NSS’ political party, which was later dissolved, withdrawing from the Congress-led UDF. Later, BJP leader L.K. Advani was also denied permission to pay homage at the Samadhi during his Rath Yatra.