A nighttime protest gathering shows how Lakshadweep’s political consciousness extends well beyond election seasons. Despite its small size and isolation, the archipelago remains deeply engaged with national political issues.
In his book Jerusalem and Back: A Personal Account (1976), Saul Bellow remarked:
“For the first time in history, the human species as a whole has gone into politics. Everyone is in the act, and there is no telling what may come of it.”
It took until 2024, but even Lakshadweep, these idyllic islands in the Arabian Sea, seems to have been swept up in the act. The islands have generally been politically active but recent years have seen a dramatic increase in not only political protests, but also engagement in campaign activities from men and women alike.
Young political supporters ride a decorated tractor through narrow island lanes during a campaign procession.
The 2024 Indian General Elections, carrying forward the chaotic legacy of 2019, served as yet another entertaining spectacle for the islands, one that was as noisy as it was novel. Political parties of every stripe descended on the archipelago, armed with the weapons of modern campaigning: posters, pamphlets, rallies, and customized songs. These songs, tuned to popular Malayalam and Tamil hits, blared from speakers in boats, bikes, and homes, turning the serene islands into a 24/7 auditory battleground for an entire month.
Posters of local leaders posing heroically (or awkwardly, depending on the artist’s skill) popped up on walls across the islands. Wall paintings transformed quiet village lanes into technicolour manifestos. For a region with a voter base of roughly 57,000, out of which 88% turned out to vote, this level of bombast felt almost comical. One solitary parliamentary seat was up for grabs, but the energy poured into its capture could have fooled anyone into thinking it was a mini-general election.
Women form a significant part of political activism in Lakshadweep, as seen during the 2019 protests against proposed citizenship laws. Their strong presence, particularly in traditional dress, reflects the islands’ unique blend of religious identity and democratic participation.
The political history of Lakshadweep offers unique insights into its governance and challenges. Post-independence, the region became a Union Territory in 1956 due to its strategic importance in the Arabian Sea. Unlike neighbouring Kerala, it was administered directly by the central government without a legislature, with bureaucrats serving as administrators.
With a single parliamentary seat, the Congress dominated the political scene, particularly under P.M. Sayeed, who represented Lakshadweep in the Lok Sabha for three decades starting in 1967. He played a pivotal role in bringing national attention to the islands and advocating for their development while maintaining ecological balance. For over 30 years, the islands were represented by this single Congress leader, who went on to pass the baton to his son, Hamdullah.
The 2024 verdict
In recent years, however, the political landscape has diversified in ways as surprising as they are peculiar.
In 2019, Mohammad Faizal of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) made history by securing a second consecutive term, an unusual feat in a region where voters seem increasingly inclined to experiment with new faces and parties. How Sharad Pawar’s Maharashtra-based party managed to establish roots in these far-flung islands remains a political curiosity. Adding to the odd mix is the presence of the Janata Dal (United), with posters of Bihar’s Nitish Kumar incongruously placed against the backdrop of pristine beaches.
Then-incumbent MP Mohammed Faizal PP (center, in white) leads NCP supporters during a campaign rally in 2024. Despite enjoying two consecutive terms and strong grassroots support, Faizal would narrowly lose to Congress candidate Hamdullah Sayeed in a close contest. (PC: The Hindu Business Line)
Meanwhile, CPIM, a party long associated with atheism and class struggle, has about as much traction here as the BJP does in Kerala. And as for the BJP itself? Let’s just say their chances of success in Lakshadweep are as good as a snowball’s in Agatti’s midday sun.
When the dust settled in 2024, the election results were as dramatic as the campaigns themselves. Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed of the Indian National Congress (INC) narrowly defeated Mohammed Faizal P.P. of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) by securing 25,726 votes (52.29%) against Faizal’s 23,079 votes (46.91%). This not only marked a significant victory for Hamdullah, returning to power after 10 years and becoming a multiple-time MP like his legendary father, but also for the Congress, which had embarrassingly lost its stronghold over the past 15 years.
Following in the footsteps of his father PM Sayeed, who represented Lakshadweep for three decades, Hamdullah Sayeed secured a significant victory by garnering 52.29% of votes in 2024, marking both a personal comeback and the Congress party’s return to its traditional stronghold after a 15-year gap. (PC: ANI)
For decades, Lakshadweep’s geographic isolation and small, cohesive population fostered a sense of unity that mainland India could only envy. However, the arrival of mainland political parties and the inevitable factionalism they bring has begun to stretch the islands’ social fabric.
One of the many notices (highlighted in blue) at a Kadmat tea shop politely bans political discussions, a humorous but ultimately futile attempt at creating a ‘politics-free zone’ in an increasingly politicized archipelago.
Elders lament how politics has driven a wedge between families and neighbours. Young men, brimming with energy and idealism, are drawn into these battles, often championing causes they barely understand. Political operatives, always eager to exploit such enthusiasm, add fuel to the fire. The result? Communities that were once united now find themselves at odds, as allegiances to different parties take precedence over traditional bonds.
The “Lakshadweep Formula” for Political Success
Winning elections here isn’t about grandiose promises or divisive rhetoric but rather about adhering to the unwritten Lakshadweep code:
- Be genuine. Islanders value sincerity and have a keen eye for spotting insincerity.
- Be approachable. The electorate expects personal interactions with their representatives.
- Be polite. Politeness isn’t just appreciated; it’s expected.
But there’s a catch: betray their trust, and the consequences are swift and severe. Lakshadweep’s voters may be gracious and forgiving, but they don’t easily forget being wronged.
Police officers maintain order at a sunset campaign event, with numerous supporters gathered to witness political speeches.
The question of whether development hinges on the Member of Parliament is a contentious one. As a Union Territory, Lakshadweep is directly governed by the central government, a scheme of things that has led to its own fair share of controversies in recent years. With the actual power still being vested in the hands of an administrator appointed by the Centre, the influence of the MP in shaping local policies is limited. Yet, elections here serve purposes beyond governance. They are a source of entertainment, a hotbed of gossip, and an outlet for creative expression. The remixed campaign songs alone are worth the price of admission.
Politics in Lakshadweep has evolved from a quiet affair to a full-blown performance, complete with its own unique flair. Because here, as elsewhere in India, politics isn’t just about the future. It’s just as much about the spectacle.