As the fourth local body election nears in Edamalakkudy, Kerala’s first tribal panchayat, residents focus on its poor amenities. Since 2010, the area has seen power shifts between UDF and LDF. The UDF won in 2010 and reclaimed power in 2020, while LDF ruled after 2015. Meanwhile, BJP's presence has grown, winning five seats in 2020 from three in 2015 and contesting in 13 of 14 wards this year. Both UDF and LDF are campaigning hard, but infrastructure remains a major concern. At present, proper road connectivity is missing despite 15 years of rule by these fronts. BJP Minority Morcha national vice-president Noble Mathew said, "If the BJP wins, we will ensure basic amenities within 100 days with the support of the Union government. We will open another road connecting Mankulam to Edamalakkudy." He added, "If the Forest department raises hurdles to road construction and other development activities, we will approach the Centre and come up with solutions." A member of the Muthuvan tribal community explained the hardships faced. "Many settlements are not connected. One has to walk 3-4 hours to reach them. Out of the 26 settlements, only five have power supply. There is no proper hostel for students in the government school and it affects their studies," he said. He also mentioned, "Due to lack of proper roads, five people could not get medical help on time, leading to their deaths." In 2022, the State Scheduled Tribes department sanctioned ₹18.45 crore for road construction. The first phase planned a 7.7-km road from Pettimudy to Edaliparakudy, but only 4.75 km is complete. The second phase tender from Edaliparakudy to Societykudy is pending. Author Subash Chandran, who wrote a book on Edamalakkudy, wrote to the Chief Minister to provide insurance to tribespeople traveling through dense forests to vote. "The Chief Minister's office forwarded the letter to the Devikulam Subcollector for further action," he said. The tribal panchayat election will test if promises can turn into real progress for Edamalakkudy's isolated communities.