UDF’s tit-for-tat response to pro-LDF writers in Nilambur

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath greeting writer Kalpatta Narayanan at a conclave of learners who benefitted from different education programmes he had implemented when he was chairman of the Nilambur municipality in Nilambur on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

A group of writers and artistes from across the State on Tuesday appealed to vote for United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath in the Nilambur Assembly byelection on Thursday.

It turned out to be the UDF’s tit-for-tat for the clarion call made by a group of writers in support of Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M. Swaraj the other day.

The writers and cultural leaders who rallied for Mr. Shoukath were K.G. Sankara Pillai, Kalpatta Narayanan, J. Devika, B. Rajeevan, U.K. Kumaran, C.V. Balakrishnan, R.P. Azad, Joy Mathew, Sajeevan Anthikkad, Sudha Menon, Joseph C. Mathew, Rosy Thampi, K. Aravindakshan, K. Gopinathan, K. Girish Kumar, Pratapan Thayattu, Babu Kuzhimattam, J.S. Adoor, Pramod Puzhankara, Damodar Prasad, V.S. Anil Kumar, Kusumam Joseph, P.V. Krishnan Nair, M.P. Surendran, C.J. George, Vinod Chandran, K.N. Sunandan, I. Gopinath, Augustine Kuttanellur, Arun Karippalil, V.S. Gireeshan and Janaky Sreedharan.

“If I had my franchise in Nilambur, I would have voted for the Congress led by Rahul Gandhi, who is leading a fighting against fascism at the national level,” said Mr. Kalpatta Narayanan.

He was speaking after taking part in a conclave of learners who benefitted from educational projects like Jyotirgamaya, Sameeksha, Sadgamaya and Oppathinoppam implemented by Mr. Shoukath when he was chairperson of Nilambur municipality.

He said he differed with the other group of writers who called for support to Mr. Swaraj. “Writers can appear anywhere. He is a free entity. There is no politics in that,” he said.

Mr. Narayanan added that writers should not turn a blind eye on the struggles of ASHAs and the contempt shown by those in power towards them, the land struggle being carried out by the Adivasis in Nilambur.

He said Mr. Shoukath had triggered a revolution of letters in Nilambur when he had headed the Nilambur civic body.

Many participants at the conclave shared their nostalgic memories. They showered Mr. Shoukath with their appreciation and gratitude.

KPCC working president P.C. Vishnunath presided over the function. Former MP Ramya Haridas, Pazhakulam Madhu, and P. Harigovindan spoke.

Published - June 17, 2025 06:48 pm IST