Kerala parties look beyond politicians, field film stars

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is set to witness a war of stars in the upcoming May polls.

Unlike its neighbours where stars are demi-gods, the state has been reluctant to let film personalities enter politics. But this time, all three major players, the CPI (M)-led LDF, Congress-backed UDF and the BJP, have fielded stars. Senior politicians, however, aren’t convinced about cashing in on the stars’ popularity.

But veteran film-makers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan find no problem with the strategy. “Career politicians aren’t enough here. Not just from film fraternity, people from all walks should join politics to enrich the law-making proc- ess,” he said. Career politicians are sore that their party leadership often ignore their long innings and run after glam and glitter. In Kollam (south Kerala), CPI(M) has denied berth to party veteran PK Gurudasan, former minister and sitting MLA, to accommodate actor Mukesh.

Pathanapuram in the Kollam district has garnered the most attention. Three stars, who are bosom friends, are fighting against each other. To take on actor Ganesh Kumar, a former minister in the Chandy government who later crossed over to the LDF camp, the Congress has fielded Jagdeesh, another actor. The BJP has nominated Raghu aka Bheeman Raghu who is known for his villainous roles, to take on both. “I have been a Congress sympathizer for long. But I got opportunity only now to test political waters,” said Jagdeesh, known for his comic roles.

In the last Lok Sabha election, CPI (M)-backed independent Innocent, a popular comedian, had trounced Congress veteran PC Chakco from Thrissur. Many think this triggered the current trend to field film personalities.