Gulf war anxiety hits Kerala homes, clouds election mood

Thiruvalla | Kottayam | Thiruvananthapuram: The Malayali community-marked by a large expatriate workforce spread across the globe, particularly in the Gulf-is closely tracking the conflict in West Asia with growing concern, even as the election campaign in Kerala reaches a crescendo. Public discourse is dominated by anxieties over the safety of family members in Gulf countries, fears of a potential impact on employment, and the broader social and economic repercussions for Kerala.

According to estimates, Kerala has around 2.2 million expatriates, largely in the Gulf, as well as in the US and Europe. The state's economy is significantly dependent on their remittances, heightening concerns back home over the ongoing war.

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"I have two brothers and three nephews working in various Gulf countries. Our family here is deeply worried about the war, even though they keep reassuring us about their safety. You can imagine the anxiety over their well-being," said Nawaz Mohammad, a grocery store owner in Thiruvananthapuram.

Many also fear a prolonged conflict could hurt businesses in the Gulf, impacting contracts and livelihoods of workers from the state. This has only heightened anxiety, with many hoping for an early end to the war in West Asia.

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"My elder son is in the UK and not affected by the war, but we worry about our younger son in Dubai. He calls daily to reassure us, saying his area is safe so far. Still, we know Dubai is vulnerable and keep praying for an early end to the war," said Koshy, a retired government official in Thiruvalla.

Jiju John, a Kottayam native working in Abu Dhabi, says he feels uneasy and stranded. "I came home on leave a week before the war began. We initially thought it would end in a few days, but now I'm worried. Though I'm here for family matters, I'm anxious about my job if the conflict escalates. I stay in touch with friends and colleagues there."

Many expatriates remain registered voters in their native constituencies and typically return home on leave to cast their votes during elections in Kerala-a pattern that appears uncertain this time amid concerns over the West Asia war.