Govt forced to drop Forest Bill; KC(M)'s clout reinforced in LDF

Major political gain for the Kerala Congress(M), which had vehemently opposed the Bill

- ABHILASH CHANDRAN @Kottayam

THE LDF government's decision to drop the Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill- 2024 may have been influenced by opposition from various quarters, including the Catholic Church.

However, the decision has emerged as a major political gain for the Kerala Congress (M), which had vehemently opposed the Bill from the ruling coalition.

Beyond just a political triumph, the decision also serves as a huge relief for the KC (M) as it comes at a crucial time when there have been growing demands from within the party to leave the LDF.

Not only does the decision solidify the KC (M)'s influence within the coalition, but it also boosts the morale of its rank and file as they prepare for the upcoming local body elections later this year.

Responding to the government's decision, KC (M) chairman Jose K Mani said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has kept his word by announcing that the government will not proceed with the Bill.

"The draft notification for the amendment contained many anti-people and anti-farmer proposals. KC(M) had taken a strong stance against the said proposals which will adversely affect 1.3 crore farmers in 430 panchayats sharing borders with forest. On December 23, the KC(M) parliamentary party met the chief minister in person and conveyed our concerns regarding the Forest Act amendment proposals. At that time, the chief minister had given an assurance that no anti-people action would be taken by the government. This assurance has been kept by him now," Jose said.