Change not development is the keyword for Dr. Anuvarudheen who is all set to contest as an independent candidate from Palakkad constituency, in the upcoming Kerala assembly polls under the banner of ‘Palakkad Munnot’ -an NGO- of which he is the founding president.
It was 16 years ago that ‘Palakkad Munnot’ (Palakkad Forward) was formed as a reaction to the ‘disgraceful behavior’ by elected representatives of the district local body.
“The very first meeting after the Municipal election in 2000 brought out the true colors of the leaders we had elected to power. Having decided that such behavior can no longer be acceptable, we formed this NGO”, recalls Anuvarudheen.
Anvarudheen is also quick to point out that the organization is far from being an amateur in the field of politics. Having contested the municipal elections and lost twice in the past -albeit by a very thin margin- he hopes that the NGO which has been very active in the district will be able to garner winning votes this time.
Formed as an organization that promotes anti-corruption and ecological sustenance through organic farming methods and anti-plastic awareness campaigns, it has also been instrumental in exposing corruption in the local administration.
Taking a dig at his fellow-candidates in the constituency, he says that sitting MLA Shafi Parambil’s development plank actually signified ‘self’ development rather than what was beneficial for the public.
“It’s been many years since we began to conserve the environment by planting trees. We also provide buttermilk to the public during summers to help them beat the heat. It is only now that the BJP has come up with its new campaign strategy of Sambhara charcha,” he chuckles.
Anuvarudheen does admit that it’s indeed a huge leap of faith from contesting the Municipal polls to the Assembly elections due to be held on May 16, as far as the organization is concerned.
He however believes that the various socio-political activities of the NGO in ensuring that Palakkad does march forward will now stand him in good stead.
The NGO seems to have got more work done in the district than the local administration which in itself -he reiterates- would bring in the votes.
If elected, the NGO also has plans to improve the infrastructure facilities available to the public in the constituency.
Anuvarudheen had earlier been associated with the Aam Admi Party for a short while before he called it quits, as he felt the party was “not headed in the right direction.”
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