Kottayam: Politics of rubber stares at all fronts

Kottayam: With a mere eight days left for the polling of the Lok Sabha elections 2024  Kottayam, the land of letters, latex and lakes, finds itself engulfed by political heat. Apart from the political developments at the national level, this election is marked by issues that resonate deeply with the local populace. 

One such issue that has captured the attention of both voters and candidates alike is the fluctuating prices of rubber, a crucial component of the region's economy. Infrastructural development, unemployment and the increasing migration of youngsters from the region also emerge as critical issues shaping the electoral landscape of Kottayam.

Importance of Rubber prices
Rubber cultivation forms the backbone of Kottayam's economy, with thousands of farmers depending on it for their livelihood. As per the statistics of the Rubber Board 18 % of the total rubber cultivation in the state is from this region.

However, in recent years, the volatility in rubber prices has left many farmers grappling with financial uncertainty. Factors such as international market trends, supply-demand dynamics, and government policies all play a role in determining the price of rubber, making it a pressing concern for the electorate.

Mathrubhumi English asked the candidates about the pressing issues in the constituency and how they would prioritise and resolve them. 

Candidate Perspectives

Thomas Chazhikadan (LDF)

The LDF candidate Thomas Chazhikadan, the incumbent MP and representing the Kerala Congress (M) faction, is proud of what he has been able to do for the constituency in his term. He talks about the developmental projects he undertook and how he was able to spend all of the MP fund allotted to him for the betterment of the constituency.   Chazhikadan says that he has been demanding the declaration of rubber as an agricultural produce. Now, labelled as an industrial raw material, rubber does not get the benefits and subsidies due to this technicality, he opined. This was the final submission he made in the parliament, Chazhikkadan added. He pledged to continue advocating for policies that ensure fair pricing and market access for rubber produce.

Francis George (UDF)

The UDF candidate Francis George is leveraging the dissatisfaction among rubber farmers regarding the incumbent's and central government’s careless handling of the price fluctuations. He promised a more comprehensive approach and also pointed out the plight of the paddy farmers and how their CIBIL scores are affected by the state government’s paddy receipt scheme. 

Thushar Vellappally (NDA)

Though backed by the NDA, which holds power at the Centre, BDJS candidate Thushar Vellappally seems to be playing the safe route by repeating how he recognizes rubber as one of the most pressing issues but leaves the responsibility of fixing it to Narendra Modi and J.P Nadda.

Beyond its renown for rubber cultivation, Kottayam grapples with infrastructural inadequacies that hinder its progress. Issues such as transportation, healthcare, education, and connectivity have long been priorities for residents seeking a better quality of life. As the constituency evolves, the need for robust infrastructure becomes increasingly apparent, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral discourse.

All three candidates also seem to agree on the fact that Kottayam is a constituency with a lot of scope for development in terms of tourism and how this could solve issues of infrastructure and unemployment that are rampant here. While Francis George wants to make Kottayam one of the UNESCO creative cities network, Chazhikkadan shares his vision of a highway connecting Kottayam to the coastal area of Alleppey, backwaters of Kumarakom and the hilly region of Idukki as the way to uplift the constituency. Vellappally, on the other hand, promises that if BJP is brought to power, Kerala will witness the same development as the rest of the country and that industrial growth would solve the issue of unemployment. 

Voter Sentiment and Expectations

Voters in Kottayam’s rubber belt are closely scrutinising each candidate's stance on rubber prices, viewing it as a litmus test of their commitment to the welfare of the farming community. Beyond mere promises, people are seeking concrete plans and tangible solutions to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on their livelihoods. 

They seem to be in search of candidates who can offer a holistic vision for the district's future, balancing economic prosperity with social welfare and environmental sustainability. Beyond rhetoric, constituents are looking for concrete plans and a commitment to implement promises made during the election campaign. With livelihoods at stake and economic stability hanging in the balance, voters are poised to make a choice that will shape the future trajectory of the region. Whichever candidate can articulate a compelling vision and demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the challenges faced by rubber farmers may emerge as the representative of Kottayam, the cradle of the Kerala Congress, the party that was born out of the aspirations of the people of central Travancore.