A sense of disillusionment runs deep across Kerala's coastal belt as members of the fishing community say their lives remain largely unchanged regardless of which party comes to power.
With the Assembly elections approaching, many fishermen and their families allege decades of political neglect, even as their everyday struggles intensify.
A significant section of the fishing population belongs to the Latin Catholic community, estimated to number around 2 million people. Political observers note that the Church continues to play an influential role in shaping voting preferences within this group.
Also watch: Kerala polls 2026: Fresh proposal revives hope for Perikalloor-Bairakuppa bridge
Father Eugene Pereira, Vicar General of the Thiruvananthapuram Latin Archdiocese, said the community is likely to take a final call only after political parties release their manifestos. He further added that concerns raised by coastal communities have largely gone unheard.
The development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport remains a contentious issue. While some residents welcome the project as a sign of progress, sections of the local parish argue that its benefits have not adequately reached those most affected. The port and its fallout are expected to be key factors in the Kovalam Assembly constituency, parts of which fall within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
In neighbouring Chirayinkeezhu, infrastructure demands such as the construction of a seawall and dredging at the Muthalapozhi river mouth have emerged as major election issues. Across coastal regions, declining fish catch, concerns over the Union government's Blue Economy initiative-particularly the leasing of sea areas for mining-and a persistent drinking water crisis are shaping voter sentiment.
In Vizhinjam, residents living just metres from the port still rely on purchased drinking water, paying around ₹7 per pot. Meanwhile, communities along Kerala's 600-kilometre coastline continue to face challenges ranging from severe coastal erosion to the growing impact of climate change.
In Chellanam, a long-standing sea erosion problem was addressed through the construction of a 7.5-kilometre seawall, with plans underway to extend it further. Despite such efforts, many coastal residents say broader issues of safety, livelihood, and sustainable development remain unresolved.
The fishing community in Kerala is diverse, comprising Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. While political loyalties may vary, shared concerns over dwindling incomes, environmental uncertainties, and inadequate infrastructure could play a decisive role in the upcoming polls.
As fishermen contend with an increasingly unpredictable sea and shrinking returns even during peak seasons, it is these immediate, ground-level challenges-rather than political rhetoric-that are likely to determine which way the electoral tide turns.