Will leading Malayalam actor Manju Warrier enter Kerala politics? What if she becomes the candidate of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the state? Will she not make a good politician, considering her image as a person who is involved in social causes?
While the past few weeks saw numerous such questions being raised, it appears that these speculations can now be safely laid to rest.
On Tuesday, CPI (M) clarified that the party has no intentions to field Manju as a candidate. The death of CPI (M)'s KK Ramachandran, who was the sitting MLA of Alappuzha's Chengannur constituency earlier this month has necessitated a bye-election. While Manju's name was heard as one the probable names being considered for candidature, the district CPI (M) has now dismissed it.
"The party has no plans of giving a ticket to any film star. We have capable members within the party itself and the party will take the decision as to who will contest the bye-poll," said CPI (M)'s Alappuzha district secretary Saji Cherian.
Speculation has been rife for the past few weeks over Manju's probable entry into politics. This was fuelled by the actor’S visit to Cyclone Ockhi-affected families in Thiruvananthapuram recently.
However, when political circles were abuzz over Manju’s entry into politics, the actor categorically denied any such plan.
“I don’t see any reason to glorify my involvement in social issues. There are a lot of people who do a lot more for society outside the limelight. Since I am known to the public, even the smallest of my deeds are projected in a big way. I did not visit the cyclone affected area with a political motive. It is my social responsibility as well to help people in distress. My conscience is my motive, not political ambitions," Manju had clarified.
However, the rumours found new fodder yet again last week, after Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader KNA Khader told the Assembly that the LDF has plans to field Manju in the bye-elections. This was followed by media reports that claimed that the CPI (M) was in search of a fresh face to contest. Reports claimed that party's state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself, had already taken up the matter with Manju.