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The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
National Farmers' Party launched in Kottayam, with focus on Catholic support
Seeking to ride the wave of rural discontent sweeping through central Travancore, including its high ranges and forest fringes, the Kerala Farmers' Federation on Saturday announced the launch of a new political outfit, the National Farmers' Party. Former chairman of the undivided Kerala Congress and ex-MLA of Kanjirappally, George J. Mathew, will serve as the party chairman. Former Kaduthuruthy legislator P. M. Mathew has been appointed general secretary while M.V. Many and K. D. Lewis have been named vice-presidents. The party is currently considering sprinkler, drone, or rocket as its election symbol. Announcing the launch, Mr. George Mathew outlined the party's intention to contest the upcoming elections. 'We cannot rule out joining any front at this stage. Both existing fronts have betrayed the farmers and political parties have largely ignored their plight. Today, farmers and other vulnerable working-class communities face severe hardships, forcing many young people to migrate abroad in large numbers,' he said. While agricultural concerns and nationalism form the core of the party's agenda, the leadership's roots in the former Kerala Congress clearly signal a focus on appealing to Christian voters and farmers in Central Travancore, a traditional stronghold of Kerala Congress parties. With backing from some Catholic clergy, the new outfit may foster close ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over time, capitalising on issues raised by the Catholic Church in Kerala. Although party leaders insisted there is no formal alliance with any political coalition yet, the presence of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) national president Thushar Vellappally at Friday's meeting has fuelled speculation about potential efforts to mobilise BJP-leaning Christian voters. When asked about it, the party chairman, however, clarified that Mr. Vellappally attended as a well-wisher of the farmers' movement. Major Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Mar George Alencherry and former Kanjirappally Bishop Mar Mathew Arackal were conspicuous by their absence at the launch despite invitations. Mr. Mathew George declined to comment on whether the party enjoys the Church's support. Membership drive The party plans to launch its membership drive shortly and elect office-bearers at the earliest. According to the leadership, the organisational structure will be built along constituency and panchayat lines. A similar attempt had been made in April 2023, when the National Progressive Party (NPP) was formally launched with V.V. Augustine as its chairman, Johnny Nellore as working chairman and Mathew Stephen as general secretary. However, the party's momentum waned quickly and Mr. Nellore stepped away from the project within a few months.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Central Travancore sees another political push with an eye on Catholic, farmer votes
With an eye on the influential Catholic vote bank of Central Travancore, a region in the midst of significant political churn, yet another political initiative with apparent leanings towards the Bharatiya Janata Party appears to be taking shape in Kottayam. Two years after a failed attempt to launch a political party, a group of former Kerala Congress leaders have joined hands to revive their plans, ostensibly with the backing of the BJP. The new movement, which has also garnered the support of a section of Catholic bishops, aims at resonating with the farming community of Central Travancore, which constitutes the core support base of the two major Kerala Congress (KC) factions. As part of it, a farmers' conference was held in Kottayam on Friday under the banner of the Kerala Farmers' Federation. The federation is chaired by George J. Mathew, a former Kerala Congress chairman and former legislator from Kanjirappally. The event was organised with the support of P.M. Mathew, former legislator from Kaduthuruthy, and M.V. Mani. The trio is expected to address the media on Saturday to formally outline the objectives of their emerging movement. A resolution passed at the conference has also authorised the leadership to 'fight for change, address the needs of the people and take timely decisions and actions.' Mum on a new party Amidst the speculation, the leaders have remained guarded about the possibility of launching a new political party. Instead, they maintained that the Kerala Farmers' Federation was established in 2016 with George J. Mathew as chairman with a commitment to protecting farmers' rights and interests. Mr. Mathew, on his part, declined to confirm any political ambitions but said more details would be revealed on Saturday. Notably, Major Archbishop Emeritus Mar George Cardinal Alencherry and Mar Mathew Arackal, former Bishop of Kanjirappally, were invited to the conference but did not attend. BDJS and CASA The presence of BDJS national president Thushar Vellappally at the event has further stoked speculation. Observers suggest the initiative may be aimed at mobilising BJP-aligned Christian support in a bid to eventually integrate into the NDA fold. The organisers are also said to be seeking support from Christian organisations such as Christian Association and Alliance For Social Action (CASA). A similar attempt had been made in April 2023, when the National Progressive Party (NPP) was formally launched with V.V. Augustine as its chairman, Johnny Nellore as working chairman, and Mathew Stephen as general secretary. However, the party's momentum waned quickly and Mr. Nellore stepped away from the project within a few months.
