WAYANAD (Kerala, India): A coalition of tribal organizations in Kerala has sought to field an independent candidate belonging to the Paniya community in the Mananthavady and Sulthana Bathery assembly constituencies in the forthcoming elections to the state legislative assembly.
Leaders of the coalition asserted that they want to improve the representation for some of the region’s most disadvantaged communities. The initiative is supported by a network of groups including the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGMS), Adivasi Vanitha Prasthanam, Paniya Samajam, and several welfare committees representing tribal interests.
Tribal activists have long argued that indigenous communities such as the Paniyas, Adiyas, Kattunaickans and Vettukkurumans remain excluded from meaningful participation in democratic processes.
The Paniya community is one of the largest Scheduled Tribe groups in Kerala, traditionally engaged in agriculture and forest-based livelihoods. Historically, Paniyas and similar groups have faced systemic disadvantages, including landlessness, low literacy rates and limited access to public services. Tribal leaders argue that major parties often nominate candidates from relatively better-off communities within the reservation categories. As a result, the voices of the most vulnerable remain under-represented.
The Paniyas constitute the largest ST community in Kerala, with an estimated population of about 90,000. In Wayanad district, they account for nearly 45% of the tribal population. However, the community has had little presence in legislative or local body politics despite its demographic strength, the representatives said. They also want major political parties to nominate a member of the Paniya community as the candidate from Manathanavady and Sulthan Bathery.
The present term of the Kerala Legislative Assembly ends in May 2026, and elections are likely to be held any time in or after April 2026.
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