Kerala Farmers' Association Issues Rights Charter, May Enter Political Arena
The Kerala Independent Farmers' Association (KIFA) has taken a significant step by releasing a comprehensive 15-point rights charter, with a primary focus on the escalating issue of human-wildlife conflict. The association has announced that it will consider fielding candidates in the upcoming state assembly elections, depending on how political parties respond to its demands.
Strategic Focus on Affected Constituencies
KIFA chairman Alex Ozhukayil revealed that the state government has officially identified 78 assembly constituencies as being severely affected by human-wildlife conflict. Of these, the farmers' association plans to actively engage in at least 30 constituencies where the problem is most acute. This engagement will occur regardless of whether KIFA ultimately decides to contest the elections formally.
"We will intervene in the election process in campaign mode in these 30 constituencies, highlighting human-wildlife conflict and other critical issues faced by farmers," Ozhukayil stated. "The decision on whether to field candidates will be taken only after we examine how political parties respond to our rights charter."
Political Landscape and Farmer Influence
Ozhukayil provided a detailed breakdown of the current political representation in the affected areas, noting that of the 78 constituencies impacted by wildlife conflicts, 54 are currently held by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and 24 by the United Democratic Front (UDF). He emphasized the potential electoral power of the farming community in determining the next government.
"If UDF hopes to come to power, it must win at least 35 constituencies from those now held by LDF. In effect, it is the farming community that will decide which front forms the next government," he added, highlighting the strategic importance of farmer votes in these regions.
Key Demands in the Rights Charter
The rights charter, released at Thiruvambady on Saturday, contains several significant demands:
- Recognition that under Section 11(2) of the Wildlife Protection Act, it is not a crime to kill or injure wild animals that stray into revenue lands and pose a threat to life and property. KIFA demands that the government should not register cases in such instances.
- Compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict should be determined on a case-by-case basis, similar to compensation awarded in motor vehicle accident cases, taking into account factors such as the victim's age and circumstances.
Decision Timeline and Political Strategy
Ozhukayil clarified that a final decision regarding electoral participation would be made after reviewing how major political fronts address KIFA's concerns in their election manifestos. This strategic approach positions the farmers' association as a potential kingmaker in constituencies where human-wildlife conflict is a decisive issue for voters.
The association's move represents a growing trend of single-issue advocacy groups considering direct political engagement to advance their agendas, particularly in regions where traditional political parties have failed to adequately address pressing local concerns.
