“Can we the masses remain forever vanquished? We are being cornered, victimised and are being pushed against the wall; it’s a struggle for existence. A fight for survival; won’t you stand by me… Be with me?” Passion drips from his words and an emotionally charged hundred-odd listeners at Thadiyambad near Cheruthoni simply can’t wait for Joice to finish before sloganeering begins.
All Set for a Close Battle
The hilltops of Idukki are witnessing a never-before fight in the Lok Sabha polls, the catchword being ‘Kasturirangan’, enough to send shivers down the spine of many in the high ranges. Obviously, this single issue holds the key to the political battlefield in Idukki where Dean Kuriakose of the UDF takes on High Range Protection Council’s Adv Joice George, a Left-backed Independent. At a time when the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats protection and the face-saving draft notification making a UDF beeline in the polls, the constituency is torn between the high and low ranges. The Church plays a key role and the Idukki Diocese has already made it explicitly clear why it’s not going to sit back and watch the game this time.
Though a UDF bastion for a long time, it would not be the usual cakewalk for the UDF this time. The community equations are also significant. The Church support turns out to be the most crucial factor for Joice George while the last minute political undercurrents are what Dean Kuriakose plans to cash in on.
Ripples on ‘Kasturi’ Issue
The last minute draft notification on K Report has come as a timely boost for the UDF. However, there is concern among the people as the ESA (Ecologically Sensitive Zone) markings in many villages across the constituency have not been withdrawn.
“There are concerns among the people that the ESA markings have not been withdrawn till now. The draft notification has come as a major reprieve. But what if the next government decides to go ahead with the K Report? That’s what they ask,” pointed out Francis George, former Idukki MP of the Kerala Congress. On the sidelines of Dean’s election convention at Mullaringad in Vannapuram panchayat, Francis George, however, takes all efforts to convince the people why the UPA Government should come to power at the Centre. If sources are to be believed the Church has been organising family meets under priests at each parish to ensure support for Joice George. “It definitely has its impact. Joice being a Church-backed candidate, there’s a strong sentiment towards him. However, the other two dioceses in the constituency – Kothamangalam and Kanjirappally – too would play a major role,” they pointed out.
Greenhorn & the ‘K’ Activist
Being a greenhorn in electoral politics, Dean Kuriakose brings in a freshness to the contest. A protégé of Rahul Gandhi, Dean enjoys the support of leaders above group equations. At the same time, the debutant fails to enthral the masses like his predecessor and veteran leader P T Thomas. “When PT was in the fray, he calls a couple of meetings immediately after his candidature is declared. He would ensure support base from across the constituency. Dean being an youngster we are yet to know how the leaders will support,” opines a senior UDF leader. The Joseph faction in the Kerala Congress had its eye on Idukki constituency. But the Congress did not budge. There were doubts whether the Kerala Congress will stay away. “It’s true that we had made demands. But once the candidate is declared the UDF will work together,” says Adv Jossy Jacob of the Kerala Congress who accompanies Dean in the campaign vehicle. “I have been getting complete support from everyone,” says a confident-looking Dean. On the other hand, Joice George initially emerged as a candidate of the Hill Range Protection Council and later got the support from LDF. With an open support from the Idukki Bishop, Joice attempts to cash in on the K sentiment. At the same time, a section of High Range Protection Council, which has a major chunk of Kerala Congressmen, has backed out after LDF declared Joice’s candidature.
Coming from a clear Congress background, Joice makes it a point to clarify why he stood for elections with the Left support. “For me, the candidature came like a delegation. I have always stood with the people when the Kasturirangan issue broke out,” he quips.
Title Deed Issues and Idukki Package
Idukki and Udumbanchola are the two constituencies where the UDF fears a backlash over the K-report. However, attempts are on to woo the agrarian sector with DCC president Roy K Poulose making all efforts to convince the people that minor corrections in the ESA map will solve their apprehensions.
There’s a clear discontent within the CPM as many feel the party could have fielded its own candidate. “Why do we field an Independent candidate with clear Congress links? Now the party supports the same High Range Protection Council, which once humiliated CPM district secretary in its meeting. This time, it seems that both the Fronts have succumbed to the pressure from the Church,” said a CPM district committee member. The recent controversies surrounding Adv Joice George’s land in Vattavada Panchayat in Kottakamboor village may prove to costly for the Left.The estate workers form a major chunk of the voters in Idukki here. Both the candidates are vying to coax the 40,000-strong Tamil voters.
A host of other issues including delay in implementation of the Idukki package, non-issuance of title deeds and crisis in the plantation sector are being discussed.
“The UDF government has set up a new taluk in Idukki. Also measures were taken to issue title deeds to many farmers. Developmental activities to the tune of `350 crore was carried out under the Idukki package. New roads under PM Sadak Yojana and a new medical college in the district are part of new initiatives by UPA government,” said Dean. “Apart from mere claims, no measures were taken to issue pattayams to people,” said Joice George. In Idukki, the fight which began on an emotional note is gradually yet certainly taking a political spin.
With Rahul Gandhi’s arrival on Saturday, some sure surprises are in store.