Alleging apathy on the part of the United Democratic Front-led State government in addressing their concerns over the ESA (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) regulations and the Kasturirangan panel report on the Western Ghats, a section of hillside farmers in the district owing allegiance to the Congress have decided to join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
According to NCP leaders, around 1,000 farmers who are working with the Congress-supported Indira Vichar Vedi led by O.D. Thomas will accept the membership of the NCP at a convention to be held at Koorachundu on December 19. Most of the dissidents are from the agricultural belts like Kanthalad, Chakkittappara and Koorachundu.
Land tax
The places were those from where the Revenue Department had been denying the collection of land tax from around 200 families following a dispute over the ownership of land.
The crisis has been continuing here for the past three years though the government conducted a series of discussions with the farmers’ representatives and revenue officials.
Ready to welcome
“The farmers’ leaders have communicated their decision to join the NCP and we are ready to welcome them,” said M. Aalikoya, NCP State general secretary.
However, he said, the actual number of farmers who would join the party was yet to be confirmed.
1,000 farmers to accept membership of the NCP
Dissidents are from agri belts like Kanthalad, Chakkittappara and Koorachundu
