Land Issues Fuel Left Democratic Front’s Defeat in Idukki Elections

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) experienced significant electoral defeat in the recent local body elections in Idukki, with land-related grievances and an increase in wild animal attacks identified as key contributing factors. The LDF lost ground across various local governing bodies, including municipalities, district panchayat, block panchayats, and grama panchayats.

A notable shift in voter support emerged from the Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, which has considerable influence in the region. The Congress party capitalized on this change, particularly in areas traditionally aligned with the LDF. According to Fr. Jins Karakkatt, director of the Idukki Diocese Media Commission, the government’s inability to address farmers’ concerns over the past decade significantly influenced the election outcomes.

“The people of the district realized that the government has failed to solve land-related issues over the past decade, and this was reflected in the local body election results,” Fr. Karakkatt stated. He emphasized the necessity for the government to address these challenges ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, warning that failure to do so could result in similar repercussions at the polls.

Rasak Chooravelil, chairman of the Idukki Land Freedom Movement (ILFM), remarked that the election results signify a broader trend among agricultural communities in the state’s hilly regions. He noted, “Farmers’ anger was reflected across Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.” While the LDF maintained a foothold in plantation areas such as Devikulam, Udumbanchola, and Vandiperiyar, where land issues are less pressing, the overall sentiment among farmers was one of discontent.

M.J. Jacob, district president of the Kerala Congress (Joseph), attributed the LDF’s poor performance to what he termed “anti-farmer” policies implemented by the current government. He cited unresolved issues, including a construction ban, challenges with the new Land Assignment (Amendment) Act, delays in title deeds, and increasing wild animal attacks as factors that led to their electoral failure.

“The Kerala Congress (M) and Minister Roshy Augustine supported land laws that hurt residents, resulting in their failure at the polls,” Mr. Jacob explained.

Following the elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) secured control over the majority of local bodies in the district, including both municipalities, the district panchayat, several block panchayats, and 36 out of the 52 grama panchayats. This shift indicates a significant change in the political landscape of Idukki, showcasing the importance of land-related issues in influencing voter sentiment and election outcomes.

As the LDF reflects on its loss, the call for immediate action on land grievances resonates strongly among constituents. The upcoming Assembly elections will likely serve as a critical test for the party, as they seek to address these pressing concerns and regain the trust of the electorate.