Incursion of wild animals into human habitations has suddenly emerged as the most pressing electioneering issue for candidates in the Idukki Lok Sabha constituency. Five lives were lost in wild elephant attacks in the past three months in the mountainous district, with numerous other incidents being reported on the forest fringes recently. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, a prominent presence in the district, has protested against the ‘apathy’ of both the State and the Union governments in preventing the wildlife attacks.
Idukki, the largest district in the State, comprises seven Assembly constituencies — Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha, Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Thodupuzha, Idukki, and Peerumade — spanning Ernakulam and Idukki districts. Of these, two are held by the United Democratic Front (UDF) while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) helms the remaining five.
Influential communities in the district include settler farmers, particularly the Syro-Malabar Catholics, and the Ezhava community. Tamil voters also wield significant influence in Devikulam, Peerumade, and Udumbanchola Assembly constituencies.
