Kochi: Amid a growing rift within the Munambam Land Protection Council over his proposed political entry, convenor Joseph Benny has withdrawn from contesting the upcoming local body elections on a Congress ticket from the Munambam division of the Vypin Block Panchayat.

Benny’s initial decision to accept the UDF’s offer immediately triggered discontent within the council, a collective that has long maintained a strictly apolitical stance while representing more than 600 families fighting for land rights in Munambam.

The move comes after the council’s patron, Fr Antony Xavier Tharayil, and several members sharply opposed Benny’s move, arguing that his candidature would undermine the credibility and unity of the group. 

Following internal discussions, Benny stepped back from the race. “I did not want it to appear that the council is backing a political party. After speaking with Fr Tharayil, I decided not to contest,” Benny said. 

Fr Tharayil has earlier made the council’s position unequivocally clear. “We do not have any political agenda. Benny has not discussed his candidature with the council. He cannot continue as convenor and contest on a political ticket.”

Members also reportedly warned that he would have to resign as convenor if he went ahead with the contest.

Benny clarified that his brief foray into electoral politics stemmed from frustration over the unresolved status of the Munambam land dispute, where families have been unable to pay land tax or sell their properties since 2019, when the Kerala Waqf Board declared 404 acres in the area as Waqf property. 

He said Congress has been the only political front to support the council’s demands consistently. “For four years, we have been fighting for our lands, and nothing has moved. So when the Congress offered a ticket, I considered trying it. The LDF and NDA have done nothing to resolve the limbo,” he said. 

Although Benny has backed out this time, he suggested that the council may not remain apolitical indefinitely. He warned that if the state government fails to frame rules restoring land ownership to families before the 2026 Assembly elections, the council will be compelled to take a firmer political stand. 

“We will wait till the next election. If the government cannot resolve the issue, we will oppose them. It will either be contesting on behalf of the council or supporting the opposition,” Benny said.

Jesna Sanal Panackal, current member in Munambam Kadappuram ward in Pallippuram panchayat, is now likely to contest as the block division candidate for UDF instead of Benny.