Rubber farmers in Thiruvalla, Kerala, are experiencing a profound crisis ahead of the 2026 Keralan Assembly elections, citing falling prices, rising costs, and labour shortages. They describe the situation as "existential" as political parties exchange promises while the sector linked to the state's "white gold" continues to decline.

The financial difficulties have escalated, with production costs soaring and market volatility reducing farmers' earnings to between Rs.200 and Rs.213 per kg. This decline threatens the industry that contributed significantly to building Kerala's middle class.

A significant concern is the migration of younger generations from agriculture. Due to the sector's perceived hopelessness, many young people are leaving their ancestral lands. "Our children aren't looking at the trees; they are looking at the airport", a farmer explained. "They are migrating to the Gulf, the UK, and the US in search of dignity and a living wage. We have been abandoned by the state and the Centre alike. We are a generation left behind," added another. Anup Antony, the BJP candidate from Thiruvalla, criticized Rahul Gandhi's price promise as a "political gimmick" and referenced Karnataka as an example of unfulfilled Congress guarantees. Antony proposed industrialization as a solution, including plans for a dedicated rubber manufacturing unit and support facilities for paddy farmers. He stated, "We are not like Congress. We are a pro-people party following Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas".

Since 1982, Kerala has alternated between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) every five years, a pattern broken in 2021 when the LDF was re-elected for a second consecutive term under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. While the LDF and UDF remain frontrunners, the BJP aims to increase its influence following its historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections.