As local body election campaigns gather momentum in Kozhikode district, there has been a significant resurgence of complaints about partially completed or pending housing projects, with many rural voters voicing their frustrations directly to the visiting candidates. Delays in road works and lack of progress on drinking water projects are also among the major grievances faced by the candidates during their door-to-door campaign.
“Most of the complainants are not worried about the political or administrative reasons behind the delay. We understand their frustration and there is no point in arguing with them,” says the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate from Koyilanda. He notes that incomplete housing programs for disadvantaged families dominated the issues raised by residents.
While Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidates are touting the achievements of the state government under the LIFE mission, the UDF seems to be benefiting from the agony of those who are still waiting for their promised homes. They point out that even tribal housing projects have remained non-starters in the rural areas of Kozhikode. Although officials cite shortage of raw materials and temporary delay in allocation of funds as the main reasons, it offers little comfort to the affected people.
“In Kozhikode district, as per official records, 33,477 houses have already been completed under the LIFE Mission programme, which is a significant achievement. More than 8,000 of them have been built from the state’s own welfare funds for the poor and marginalized groups,” says the LDF candidate from Vadakara. According to him, the construction of many houses continues despite minor disturbances caused by the lack of labor and the poor availability of raw materials.
Farmer organizations such as the Kerala Independent Farmers Association and We Farm are among those who have raised concerns. They claim that no housing or rehabilitation program has been put in place for farmers living along vulnerable forest stands. According to them, the voluntary resettlement scheme offering ₹15 lakh for exchange of two hectares of land is unattractive as it does not address the livelihood problems faced by farmers.
Fishermen’s families have also expressed concern about stalled housing. Candidates approached by various parties in coastal areas say they are unable to make firm promises due to strict coastal zone regulations. As many families have already rejected the ‘Punargeham’ rehabilitation plan due to fears of displacement from the coastal area, no fresh proposals have come from either the Center or the state, creating a situation of uncertainty, they add.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party candidates are campaigning in Kozhikode, highlighting the Centre’s contribution to the many completed and ongoing housing and welfare projects in Kerala. They argue that rival parties are taking credit for centrally funded schemes by rebranding them under other new names.
Published – 26 Nov 2025 20:29 IST
