THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: SNDP General Secretary Vellapalli Natesan alleged that economically and socially backward communities in Idukki were neglected by Kerala Congress (KC) parties. Launching an agitation against encroachment of estates in Nelliampathy, he said Kerala Congress parties were also responsible for the backwardness of certain communities as they were neglected from the development process in Idukki. Alleging title-deeds were given to wrong hands in the name of Pattaya Melas, he said many forest lands were also converted into estates under political pressure. The interests of downtrodden sections in Idukki District were badly affected and this situation could not be allowed to continue, he added.

Demanding an inquiry into all the land encroachments in the State, he stressed on the importance of a political alternative to improve the living condition of various groups in the society. Later, he also attended a programme in connection with the Ganesh Festival in the city.