Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Idukki election heats up over land issues

As election campaigning enters its final stage, land-related concerns have taken centre stage in the hilly district of Idukki. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which currently holds four out of the five seats in the district, aims to maintain its dominance, while the UDF seeks a clean sweep of all five seats. Meanwhile, in the Devikulam constituency, the entry of S. Rajendran has turned the race into a high-stakes triangular contest. Both high-profile and local leaders have highlighted land issues, title deeds, and human-animal conflict during their campaigns.

Following the release of the LDF’s poll manifesto, the UDF and various farmers’ movements raised serious allegations, claiming the LDF intends to convert the district into a forest zone. The Idukki Land Freedom Movement (ILFM) and Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) also questioned specific recommendations within the manifesto.

Rasak Chooravelil, Chairman of the ILFM, noted that the LDF corrected its manifesto recommendations following these concerns. “This may be the first time a front has corrected its manifesto mid-campaign. It clearly indicates that they initially included anti-people recommendations,” Mr. Chooravelil said.

In Peerumade, the LDF is attempting to retain the seat through CPI candidate K. Salimkumar. The UDF has fielded Cyriac Thomas for a third time; Mr Thomas narrowly lost the last two elections. BJP nominee Ratheesh Varakumala is contesting for the NDA, aiming to increase the party’s vote share.

The Idukki constituency is witnessing a battle of prestige. The Congress has taken over the seat from the Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction, fielding Roy K. Paulose. Notably, this is the first time in years a candidate is contesting the seat under the Congress’ ‘Hand’ symbol. They face LDF heavyweight and five-time MLA Roshy Augustine (Kerala Congress (M)), who is seeking a sixth victory. Adv. Prathesh Prabha represents the NDA.

In Udumbanchola, while veteran leader M.M. Mani was initially expected to contest, the CPI(M) State Committee has fielded former MLA and district secretary K.K. Jayachandran. The UDF has once again fielded Senapathi Venu, who lost by a slim margin in 2016. NDA ally BDJS has fielded Adv. Sangeetha Vishwanathan.

In Devikulam, a triangular contest is on the cards now that three-time CPI(M) MLA S. Rajendran is contesting as an NDA candidate. He faces sitting MLA A. Raja (LDF) and the Congress’s F. Raja, who comes from a family with deep political roots in the region.

In Thodupuzha, after period of five decades, Kerala Congress Chairman P.J. Joseph has stepped back from the race, fielding his son, Apu John Joseph. He is challenged by LDF candidate Cyriac Chazhikadan (Kerala Congress (M)) and NDA-allied Twenty20 nominee Roy Varikatt.

CPI(M) veteran M.M. Mani expressed confidence that the LDF would retain its four seats and potentially capture Thodupuzha. “The LDF has worked in the interest of Idukki’s farmers, and that will be reflected in the voting pattern. The government has addressed all land-related issues in the district,” said Mr Mani.

Conversely, the UDF is riding high on its performance in the recent local body elections. “The political atmosphere is favourable for a clean sweep of all five seats. The visits of Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge have significantly influenced voters,” said KPCC General Secretary Ibrahimkutty Kallar.

The NDA is looking to open its account in the district, placing its hopes on S. Rajendran in Devikulam. The party is conducting high-voltage campaigns and roadshows, banking on Rajendran’s deep ties within the plantation sector to secure a historic victory.