Lakshadweep: Kerala Readies Delegations, Protests As Turmoil Intensifies

Lakshadweep: Kerala's high-decibel protests become more important considering local voices from there are rarely heard due to various restrictions.

The political upheaval in Kerala over Lakshadweep is intensifying. From preparing to send party-level delegations to the island group to protests, almost all sections of the state's polity are up in arms against the sweeping administrative changes being brought about in the Union Territory. Such bipartisan support against the new Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel's tweaks are important since it is increasingly difficult to hear local voices, given the permit system in place and the stringent lockdown norms imposed since a major breakout of Covid infections. "We have had 36 administrators before and we never had any issues with anyone. Now all democratic principles are being ignored for the liking and wishes of one person. We will not accept this," said T Abdul Kader, the Panchayat Chairman of Lakshadweep's capital, Kavaratti. Some of the changes introduced -- or in the draft stage -- by Mr Patel include the implementation of the 'Goonda Act' in a region almost bereft of crimes, and restrictions on animal slaughter. Then there is the proposed ban on people with more than two children from contesting panchayat elections. Locals are also reportedly upset over layoffs amid the pandemic.