Seeking to ride the wave of rural discontent sweeping through central Travancore, including its high ranges and forest fringes, the Kerala Farmers’ Federation on Saturday announced the launch of a new political outfit, the National Farmers’ Party.

Former chairman of the undivided Kerala Congress and ex-MLA of Kanjirappally, George J. Mathew, will serve as the party chairman. Former Kaduthuruthy legislator P. M. Mathew has been appointed general secretary while M.V. Many and K. D. Lewis have been named vice-presidents. The party is currently considering sprinkler, drone, or rocket as its election symbol.

Announcing the launch, Mr. George Mathew outlined the party’s intention to contest the upcoming elections. “We cannot rule out joining any front at this stage. Both existing fronts have betrayed the farmers and political parties have largely ignored their plight. Today, farmers and other vulnerable working-class communities face severe hardships, forcing many young people to migrate abroad in large numbers,” he said.

While agricultural concerns and nationalism form the core of the party’s agenda, the leadership’s roots in the former Kerala Congress clearly signal a focus on appealing to Christian voters and farmers in Central Travancore, a traditional stronghold of Kerala Congress parties. With backing from some Catholic clergy, the new outfit may foster close ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over time, capitalising on issues raised by the Catholic Church in Kerala.

Although party leaders insisted there is no formal alliance with any political coalition yet, the presence of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) national president Thushar Vellappally at Friday’s meeting has fuelled speculation about potential efforts to mobilise BJP-leaning Christian voters. When asked about it, the party chairman, however, clarified that Mr. Vellappally attended as a well-wisher of the farmers’ movement.

Major Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Mar George Alencherry and former Kanjirappally Bishop Mar Mathew Arackal were conspicuous by their absence at the launch despite invitations. Mr. Mathew George declined to comment on whether the party enjoys the Church’s support.

Membership drive

The party plans to launch its membership drive shortly and elect office-bearers at the earliest. According to the leadership, the organisational structure will be built along constituency and panchayat lines.

A similar attempt had been made in April 2023, when the National Progressive Party (NPP) was formally launched with V.V. Augustine as its chairman, Johnny Nellore as working chairman and Mathew Stephen as general secretary. However, the party’s momentum waned quickly and Mr. Nellore stepped away from the project within a few months.