Move to amend Forest Act puts KC(M) in spot

Concern for regional party as it will directly impact lakhs of settler farmers on forest fringes throughout the state

- ABHILASH CHANDRAN @Kottayam

As voice of dissent grows stronger among settler farmers against the Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2024, issued by the state government to further amend the Kerala Forest Act 1961, Kerala Congress (M), a key constituent of the LDF, has found itself in a challenging position.

After Munambam protests and resolution against the Waqf Amendment Bill, the proposed Bill to amend the Forest Act is causing concern for the regional party as it will directly impact lakhs of settler farmers on forest fringes throughout the state, who form the core voting base of the KC (M). Anticipating potential challenges, KC (M) chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Jose K Mani has already voiced opposition to the Bill and has called for the CM's intervention to prevent its implementation.