In the remote Kambamala estate of Wayanad, around 200 Tamil-origin families repatriated from Sri Lanka have been living for over four decades. Yet, despite the passage of time, signs of ageing and neglect are evident across the settlement. Many homes resemble shanties, with crumbling structures and poor living conditions.

As the Kerala Assembly elections approach, there is little sign of political activity in the area. There are no visible campaign efforts or election excitement, a reflection of the residents’ priorities, which remain firmly rooted in their daily struggles.

Healthcare: One of the most pressing concerns:

According to Udayaraj, a resident, "Earlier, there was a hospital in our estate, but it has now been closed. There is no doctor there anymore. If we need to take our children or elders for treatment, or even in case of an emergency, we are forced to go all the way from here to the medical college, which is very difficult. If the current representatives could arrange a system where we have a hospital and a doctor here, it would be very helpful.

It is very difficult for children to go to school, transport is a major issue. Also, after it rains, the roofs start leaking, and during the summer, it becomes so hot that it's hard to even sleep.’’

Sharanya, another resident, said, "What I mean now is that it's very difficult for children to go to school transport and related arrangements are a big problem, especially during exam time. It's quite inconvenient. Earlier, when vehicles were available, it was a relief."

Social activists point to deeper structural issues, particularly the lack of formal recognition for many families, which restricts their access to government welfare schemes.

Shabitha, teacher and social worker, “Those who had gone to work in the estates there (Sri Lanka) returned to Kerala during the time of Indira Gandhi’s government. But when they came back, a major issue was that some people received caste certificates while many others did not. Even so, several families were settled here by including them under the SC category. With the involvement of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, an estate, that is, a tea estate, was set up here for their settlement. Housing lines were built for them. Although these facilities were created, the houses built back then still stand (in the condition you see them today). It was only around 2015 that the panchayat constructed proper toilets here.”

Most residents are employed as plantation labourers under the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, a state-owned enterprise managing the tea estate. However, workers say wages remain significantly lower than what similar labour fetches outside the estate.

Meanwhile, estate worker Manikandan says, "The wages are low. If we go outside, we can earn around 650-800 rupees. Here, in the estate sector, all the wages are low. That should be increased."

For many in Kambamala, issues of identity, dignity, and recognition continue to define their lives. As they prepare to cast their votes on April 9 in the Mananthavady Assembly constituency, residents say they are looking for a representative who can address these longstanding concerns and deliver meaningful change.

The results of the election will be announced on May 4.