Priyanka Gandhi’s Stand on Wildlife Law Sparks Political Debate in Kerala
As Congress Protests Over Man-Animal Conflict, Wayanad MP’s Position on Amending Wildlife Act Differs from Party Line
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's recent remarks on the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 have put her at odds with her own party’s stance amid a growing political battle over the rising human-animal conflict in Kerala.
After meeting the family of a tribal woman killed by a tiger in Wayanad, Priyanka told the media on Tuesday that she would not push for an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act but would advocate for increased funding and mitigation measures instead. “Everybody is making efforts to safeguard human lives. I will not initiate a change in the law, but I will raise the concerns of the people in Parliament,” she said.
Her statement comes even as the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has launched a protest march across Kerala’s hilly regions, accusing both the state and central governments of failing to protect residents from increasing wildlife threats. The march is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support in regions where man-animal conflicts are prevalent, many of which are Congress strongholds.
A Political Flashpoint
The UDF has been pushing for amendments to key sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, arguing that the existing framework makes it difficult to control wildlife threats. Among its demands are provisions to simplify procedures for dealing with wild animals that pose a risk to human life and to allow culling of certain animals by declaring them vermin.
With local body elections approaching, the issue has become a major political plank. Of Kerala’s approximately 900 village panchayats, around 450 are heavily affected by wildlife intrusions. Wayanad alone witnessed five wildlife-related deaths last month. During Priyanka’s visit to the region, CPI(M) workers staged protests, waving black flags and demanding amendments to the law.
Sensing an opportunity, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has turned Priyanka’s remarks into a counterattack against the Congress. State Forest Minister A. K. Saseendran remarked on Thursday that the UDF’s protests were misguided. “Priyanka has not blamed the LDF government or the forest department. She spoke realistically on the issue,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Congress has sought to downplay Priyanka’s statement. Addressing the ongoing protest march in Wayanad, Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan assured party supporters that Congress MPs, including Priyanka, would continue to push for changes in wildlife protection laws. “The state government has the responsibility to ensure human life and livelihood. The wildlife laws require amendment, and we will fight for that,” he said.
Kerala’s Proposed Wildlife Law Amendments
In February 2024, the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to amend sections of the Wildlife Protection Act to better address human-animal conflicts.
Key among Kerala’s demands is the decentralization of decision-making powers. The state seeks to amend Section 11(1)(A) of the Act, transferring authority from the Chief Wildlife Warden to Chief Conservators of Forests (CCF), allowing quicker decisions on handling problem animals. Kerala has five CCFs overseeing different regions, and the change would facilitate faster action at a local level.
Additionally, Kerala wants wild boars to be declared vermin under Section 62 of the Act, which would permit their culling for a specified period in affected areas. Currently, wild boars fall under Schedule II of the Act, which grants them legal protection from hunting.
With growing unrest in Kerala’s forest-fringe communities and political parties using the issue as electoral leverage, Priyanka Gandhi’s measured stance contrasts with the aggressive demands of her party, adding another dimension to the unfolding political contest in the state.