Factory row to heat up poll battle in four panchayats in Kozhikode

The controversy surrounding the Ambayathode-based poultry waste rendering unit has once again erupted into a major political flashpoint, with the issue fast emerging as a campaign tool in the run-up to the local body elections. What began as a grassroots-level environmental agitation has now evolved into a political litmus test, with all major parties scrambling to align themselves with the public sentiment against the factory’s continued operation.

“Public discontent has been swelling across Thamarassery, Omassery, Kattippara, and Kodenchery panchayats, home to over 5,000 families directly affected by the plant’s alleged emissions and waste management issues. Obviously, political party leaders are about to take it up,” says a leading functionary of the action committee from Kodenchery panchayat. He points out that the residents remain agitated as the persistent foul odour, water pollution, and health issues linked to the facility trouble them a lot, and they are in search of a solution from the power centres.

Activists and leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian Union Muslim League, Indian National Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party are now seemingly locked in an increasingly aggressive blame game over the issue, with each party attempting to shape the public narrative. A.K. Shameer, a resident of Thamarassery panchayat, says the allegation that certain local leaders held shares in the factory earlier has further deepened mistrust among the electorate.

At the heart of the agitation stands an action committee that has evolved into both a protest platform and a potential political force with members from various political backgrounds. Rafeeq Koodathayi, an action committee member and IUML activist, makes it clear that there is no question of backing out from the agitation as people seek justice. Some residents also hint that silent preparations are under way to field active fighters for the action committee, while many sitting ward members and panchayat presidents have begun attending the committee’s meetings, signalling the political sensitivity of the issue. 

Meanwhile, the Kattippara grama panchayat authorities have reiterated that the local body had never granted permission for the establishment of the waste management facility within its limits. They claim the project was sanctioned by the higher authorities after the factory operators appealed against the panchayat’s opposition. This assertion has sparked further outrage among some residents, highlighting the gap between local governance and bureaucratic decision-making.

“The political dimensions around the issue have become more pronounced as the affected panchayats — currently under UDF control — adopt an increasingly assertive stance in support of the protesters,” says a former local body head from the area. The IUML, a key UDF constituent, has been particularly active, mobilising leaders and urging senior figures to make public declarations demanding the factory’s closure, he adds.

Rival parties, however, have started sensing the chance to project the turmoil as evidence of administrative failure under the United Democratic Front-led panchayats. At the same time, they are in a situation to face counter-allegation that it was the State government that facilitated the establishment of the factory, allegedly bypassing objections.