Mon Nov 24 15:39:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:
Summary:
The Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary, Binoy Viswam, has formally requested the State Election Commission and the Head of the State Forest Force in Kerala to postpone the ongoing tiger census. The reason for the request is that the census, employing approximately 3,000 forest officials until December 8th, conflicts with the first phase of local body elections on December 9th. Viswam argues that the census should be delayed to ensure forest officials are able to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation.
News Article:
Kerala CPI Demands Tiger Census Delay to Ensure Election Participation
Thiruvananthapuram, India – November 24, 2025 – The Communist Party of India (CPI) has formally requested the postponement of the ongoing tiger census in Kerala to avoid disenfranchising forest officials during the upcoming local body elections. CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam has written to both the State Election Commission and the Head of the State Forest Force, arguing that the current timeline of the census directly clashes with the voting schedule.
The tiger census, which is employing approximately 3,000 forest officials, is scheduled to conclude on December 8th, just one day before the first phase of local body polling on December 9th. Viswam contends that this makes it logistically difficult for these officials, many of whom are deployed in remote jungle areas, to return and cast their votes.
“Tigers aren’t going anywhere in a day or two,” Viswam stated. “Therefore, it’s only logical and in keeping with democratic ethos that the census be deferred.”
The CPI’s request highlights potential conflicts between essential government operations and the democratic process. The State Election Commission and the Head of the State Forest Force are yet to respond to the request. A decision is expected soon, given the proximity of the election date.
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