Kerala local body polls: Human-wildlife conflict emerges as a key poll narrative across forest-fringe regions

The issue affects 273 grama panchayats, with 30 of these classified as severe conflict zones, according to a Forest dept. study. While the LDF claims to have taken several steps to mitigate the problem, the UDF and NDA differ and see the Wild Life Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill, 2025 as a poll ploy