Kerala Polls 2026: Government focus on high-range communities, criticises opposition

Kanjirappally (Kerala): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday reached out to high-range communities ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls 2026, emphasising legal and financial measures taken by his government to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of residents, despite constraints posed by central laws.

Addressing a press conference in Kanjirappally, Vijayan denied claims by the opposition UDF that the government had acted unilaterally on rehabilitation initiatives in landslide-affected Wayanad. He accused the opposition of spreading misinformation instead of engaging constructively with the state’s rehabilitation efforts.

Human-wildlife conflict in Kerala’s hilly regions

Vijayan described human-wildlife conflict in Kerala’s high-range areas as a “serious social issue” directly affecting local communities.

“The state government has been continuously intervening in this matter. However, the Centre's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, remains a major hurdle, limiting the state's ability to act independently,” he said.

Despite repeated requests, the Centre has not allowed Kerala to declare wild boars as vermin. Vijayan criticised the BJP government for not amending the law, stating, “The law was brought in by the Congress, and the BJP government has failed to introduce necessary amendments, further complicating the issue.”

Within these limitations, he said, the state government had advanced measures to protect people, including legal amendments empowering the Chief Wildlife Warden to act against animals that pose threats to human life—though these amendments are still awaiting central approval.

Enhanced Compensation and Relief for Wildlife Incidents

Vijayan highlighted increased financial assistance for victims of human-wildlife incidents:

• Compensation for families of those killed in wildlife attacks has risen from ₹10 lakh to ₹14 lakh.
• Assistance of ₹4 lakh is provided for deaths caused by snakes, bees, or similar incidents.
• Financial support is also extended to individuals suffering serious injuries or disabilities due to wildlife conflicts.

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Wayanad rehabilitation efforts

On rehabilitation initiatives in Wayanad, Vijayan asserted that the government’s approach was collaborative, involving discussions on housing design, construction execution, fund mobilisation, and cost per house. He criticised the opposition for withdrawing from deliberations despite being aware of these discussions.

The CM clarified that the township concept in Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas emerged from the survivors’ desire to live together, rather than being imposed by the government. He also challenged the Congress-led UDF on unfulfilled promises regarding Wayanad rehabilitation, questioning the utilisation of funds collected by the party.

Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and Governance

Rejecting allegations against the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), Vijayan termed them baseless and highlighted development projects worth ₹62,000 crore executed over five years. He reiterated that Kerala remains one of the least corrupt states in India, attributing it to the LDF's zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and its pro-people governance model.

He also mentioned the state’s successful legal stance on forest buffer zones, protecting inhabited areas through a Supreme Court verdict.

Support for Rubber Farmers and Industrial Development

Turning to the rubber sector, Vijayan noted that national policies, including the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, had adversely affected Kerala’s rubber farmers. He pointed out that the LDF government had increased the support price of rubber from ₹180 to ₹200 per kg and is setting up Kerala Rubber Limited at Velloor with a ₹1,050 crore investment to develop a value-added rubber industrial hub across 164 acres.

“Kerala presents a governance model where development and social justice go hand in hand,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting high-range communities, public sector industries, and farmers.

Pinarayi Vijayan’s Message Ahead of Kerala Assembly Polls 2026

Vijayan concluded that the LDF continues to enjoy public support and remains committed to standing with the people, highlighting Kerala’s unique approach to inclusive development, social justice, and sustainable livelihood protection.

PTI