The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) has significantly expanded its political footprint in Kerala with the merger of the JSS faction led by former MLA A. V. Thamarakshan and the group led by former Kerala Congress MLA Mathew Stephen. The development marks HAM’s strategic entry into South India with broad support from political leaders and senior religious representatives.
Kochi: The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)–HAM, a key constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, has intensified its political and organisational expansion in Kerala, signalling a strategic push into South India following its consolidation in North India.
In a significant political development, the Prof. A. V. Thamarakshan faction of the Janata Secular Samaj (JSS), along with the group led by former Kerala Congress MLA Mathew Stephen and a faction headed by Sherif Babu of the Republican Party of India (A), formally merged with HAM. The merger received the support of senior leaders from various Christian denominations in Kerala as well as representatives of Hindu organisations. The formal merger conference was held at the Hotel Renai auditorium in Ernakulam, where leaders and party cadres led by A. V. Thamarakshan and Mathew Stephen joined HAM. The event was inaugurated by Subish Vasudev, HAM (S) National Organisation General Secretary.
Addressing the gathering, HAM leaders stated that the party was formed with the objective of empowering the common people and ensuring inclusive development. Kerala, they said, would serve as a crucial gateway for HAM’s expansion across South India. Party leaders expressed confidence that more political leaders and grassroots workers from other parties would join HAM in the coming days.
Rajesh Kumar Pande, HAM (S) National Chief General Secretary, formally welcomed the new entrants and also inaugurated the launch of the party’s official website and membership campaign. Siby George, Kerala State President, HAM (S), said the party was preparing to emerge as a decisive political force in the state. Former MLAs Mathew Stephen and A. V. Thamarakshan said HAM would focus on the welfare and prosperity of ordinary citizens, farmers, and marginalised communities. Vinod Kumar, National General Secretary, HAM (S), and Resli Mangasserry, National Secretary, HAM, highlighted the party’s organisational roadmap in Kerala.
As part of the party’s statewide outreach programme, Subish Vasudev announced a vehicle campaign from January 10 to February 10, covering the stretch from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. The campaign will feature thematic conventions, including a communal harmony conference in Kozhikode, an equality conference in Thrissur, a youth empowerment conference in Kottayam, and a women’s empowerment conference in Thiruvananthapuram. The conference was attended and addressed by Nithya Chaitanya Yathi, Chairman of the SSD Mookambika Trust, and senior religious leaders including Bishop Dr Babu George, Bishop Keazary (Bishop Council of India), Bishop Mar Ilios Yohanan Kuriakose Sunny Allappattu, Dr Baselios Martoma Yakob Prathaman, Dr Markus Mar Simon Pallikunnu, Bishop Rev. Sunny Abraham, and Bishop Jhon Berthlomios.
Clergy members Rev. Father Matthew Kutty, Rev. Father Biju Sam, Rev. Father Dr Mathai Chacko, and Rev. Father Biju C. Vallavanadan were also present. Political leaders including Balaramapuram Surendran (JSS Party), Sanoop Yousaf, State President, Vijay Fans Association, Maya Pradeep, Karnataka State President, HAM, M Balaji, Tamilnad State President, HAM, and SivaSankar, State Chief General Secretary, HAM, addressed the gathering.
