Although Kerala’s people usually swing between the UDF and the LDF during the Assembly elections, the run up to the elections are filled with twists and turns. This time around, the polls are likely to be more interesting than usual with several celebrities toying with the idea of entering the fray while some have already announced their intentions.
Here’s a look at the celebrities who might be turning politicians soon:
KPAC Lalitha
Veteran Malayalam actor KPAC Lalitha will contest the Vadakkanchery seat as on a CPI (M)-backed independent candidate.
Starting her career with the Kerala People's Arts Club (KPAC), one of Kerala’s oldest theatre groups which is also associated to the CPI (M). It was through drama she entered to the film industry.
"I decided to contest the polls due to my love for the party. I will go by the party's words," Lalita said.
Actor Mukesh:
Mukesh was projected as the CPI (M)’s probable candidate in Iravipuram in Kollam district but he has not yet commented.
Actor Jagadeesh:
Congress is likely to announce Jagadeesh as its candidate from Pathanapuram in Kollam district. If his name is announced, he will take on fellow actor and three-time MLA KB Ganesh Kumar.
Actor Siddique:
Siddique, who is often been seen with UDF leaders, is could to be named as the Congress’candidate for Aroor constituency.
TP Sreenivasan:
For some time, there was speculation that Sreenivasan would be fielded by the Congress from Nemom. However, sources close to the former diplomat, who in turn is close to Shashi Tharoor, say that Sreenivasan has declined.
Sreenivasan had served in Indian missions in multiple nations including Austria, US, Kenya, Slovenia and several South Pacific Island States in his 37-year career in the Indian Foreign Services. He has served as a Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Vienna and Governor for India of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna. He was recently attacked by the SFI.
Lalu Alex:
Actor Lalu Alex has been saying that several parties have approached him and hinted that he might be contesting the polls. However, he has kept up the suspense by not revealing any names.
MV Nikesh Kumar:
The LDF is likely to field Reporter TV’s editor-in-chief Nikesh Kumar from Azhikode. One of Kerala’s most well-known journalists, Nikesh Kumar has worked with Asianet, headed Kerala's first news channel India Vision and now heads his own news channel.
Nikesh's father MV Raghavan was expelled from the (CPI-M) in 1985 due to differences over the formation of an alliance. Raghavan formed the Communist Marxist Party the next year and since then his party has been an ally of the Congress led United Democratic Front. Although, he was a seven-time legislator, he became a minister on only two occasions.
Other actors such as Sheela and Nedumudi Venu have also been dropping hints about contesting the polls, but nothing concrete has emerged so far