KOTTAYAM: A significant faction of the Church in Kerala has intensified criticism against both the ruling LDF and the BJP, accusing them of neglecting the plight of rubber farmers. The demand for an increase in rubber prices, a long-pending issue, could potentially reshape the political landscape in the state.
The politics surrounding rubber prices has been a recurring challenge for both the CPI(M) and the Congress, who have held power in the state. With four months remaining until the crucial Lok Sabha elections, a statement by Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplani has added to the tension. Pamplani warned of toppling the LDF government in the upcoming elections if the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is not set at Rs 250 per kg.
In his speech, the bishop also criticised the BJP-led central government for not doing enough to support rubber farmers in the state. The Congress seized the opportunity to attack the ruling LDF, accusing them of betraying rubber farmers by failing to fulfill their promise of ensuring a base price of Rs 250 per kg.
“The CPI(M) has deceived rubber farmers by promising a base price of Rs 250 per kg, but nothing has been implemented on the ground,” said VD Satheeshan, the leader of the opposition, to the media in Ernakulam.
During the inauguration of the Rubber Producers Society at the Kannur collectorate on Friday, Archbishop Pamplani stated that the farmers were adamant and urged both the central and state governments to fulfill their election promises.
“If our demands are not met, rubber farmers will lead the charge to bring down those currently in power in the next Assembly elections. From now on, we demand action, not just words,” declared Bishop Pamplani.
He questioned why the government only cites a financial crisis when rubber farmers demand their legitimate rights.
“Representatives of the central government claim that ASEAN and GATT deals are the reasons for the current crisis. The agreement was signed by the central government and not the farmers, making them responsible for the crisis, not us,” he asserted.
The BJP faces a significant challenge in addressing the discontent within Christian communities, attempting to alleviate concerns following the violence in Manipur. Despite several meetings between the Prime Minister and church representatives, discussions on the rubber crisis have yet to yield visible results on the ground.
“We have met various representatives of the central government on numerous occasions, requesting intervention to increase the support price of rubber. However, nothing has changed, and we farmers are facing a deep crisis. We appeal to the state and central governments to intervene,” urged Mathew George, a rubber farmer based in Pala.
