LDF Flags Concerns on Voter List Revision, Land and Wildlife Laws

Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has warned that the Centre’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls could be used to deny voting rights to eligible citizens.

LDF Convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the experience in Bihar, where a large number of names were removed, showed how the exercise could be misused. “Referring back to the 2002 voters’ list and then demanding fresh documents to prove nationality is nothing but a ploy. The Election Commission has listed 12 criteria. This is a dangerous attempt by the BJP government to turn a constitutional body into its political tool,” he said.

The LDF meeting also reviewed the state government’s recent initiatives. Ramakrishnan pointed out that this year’s Onam had shown the government’s efforts to support households by supplying essentials and bringing down prices through Supplyco and Consumerfed. “When people received even a small inflow of money, the markets became lively again. Tourism too saw a strong season,” he noted.

Two important bills are in the pipeline for the coming Assembly session. One aims to address the decades-long land disputes in Idukki by framing proper laws. The other will deal with human–wildlife conflicts, where existing central laws are seen as unfair to farmers and hill residents. “The state government is preparing to push for changes. The LDF appreciates these steps to protect farmers and local communities,” he added.

Ramakrishnan said the LDF would continue to back the government’s efforts while remaining alert against any move that could undermine the rights of people.