Kerala Assembly Polls 2026: Land-related issues, wildlife attacks a talking point in Idukki ahead of polls

Discourse in Idukki ahead of the Assembly polls remains firmly rooted in local grievances. Land-related disputes, title deed delays, and the rising frequency of wild animal attacks have emerged as the primary concerns of voters.

Of the five Assembly seats in the district, Thodupuzha, Idukki, Udumbanchola, Devikulam, and Peerumade, four are currently held by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). The Thodupuzha seat is held by the Kerala Congress, an ally of the United Democratic Front (UDF). Notably, the Congress has had no direct representation in the district for several years.

The LDF is eyeing a repeat of its 2021 victory, banking on the government’s development projects. However, the UDF is hopeful following a “clean sweep” in the recent local body elections, and is expecting the trend to continue. In those polls, the UDF gained power in the Thodupuzha and Kattappana municipalities, as well as the Idukki district and block panchayat. Furthermore, the UDF secured over 36 of the district’s 52 grama panchayats.

The BJP is also anticipating a positive shift following the entry of S. Rajendran, a three-time CPI(M) MLA and senior plantation leader, into the party in Devikulam.

The Catholic Church, an influential factor in the district, has led a series of protests against the ruling government. The Kanjirappally, Idukki, and Kothamangalam dioceses under the Syro-Malabar Church cover the region.

Fr. Jins Karakkat, media commission director of the Idukki diocese, said land issues and wildlife attacks continue to haunt the district. “Before the election, the government issued orders claiming all land issues were solved. But we cannot trust these sudden orders issued so close to the election when they had years to act,” the priest said.

Fr. Karakkat also highlighted the district’s struggling health care system. “In Idukki, there is no proper health facility. While the Government Idukki Medical College Hospital functions well as an educational institution, authorities have failed to provide adequate hospital facilities. Residents are still forced to travel to other districts for emergency care.”

In the Peerumade constituency, the crisis in the plantation sector is a major concern. Unpaid salaries and delayed benefits at POABS Group plantations, along with the previous lockout at Haileyburia plantations in Elappara, remain serious issues.

In Devikulam, the focus is on increasing wildlife attacks and the lack of basic amenities for the tourism sector in the Munnar hill station.

Across the Udumbanchola, Idukki, Devikulam, and Thodupuzha constituencies, land issues remain the dominant talking point.