In Kerala’s Nilambur, the upcoming by-election has evolved into a vibrant cultural contest, with both major political fronts — the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) — harnessing the power of art and performance to connect with voters.
While UDF is deploying satire through a street play titled Selfie, the LDF is mobilising literary and artistic icons to rally support for its candidate. This unique blend of politics and performance is turning the by-election into a referendum not only on governance but also on cultural vision.
In a creative bid to connect with voters, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate, Aryadan Shoukath, is using his campaign’s street play Selfie, staged by a group of artistes under the Congress’s Samskara Sahiti banner, to highlight the alleged shortcomings and failures of the LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The street play employs humour, mockery, satire, and ridicule to expose the failures of the government, stressing public issues and connecting powerfully with the common people.
It highlights pressing issues impacting people’s lives, including the recent collapse of National Highway 66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram, deplorable road conditions, the healthcare crisis, an inactive Excise department, administrative chaos, rising prices, higher electricity bills, and the plight of neglected ASHA workers.
The central figure of the street play, crafted by the Palakkad district committee of Samskara Sahiti, is Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, portrayed as claiming credit for successes while evading responsibility for failures.
The play, which was inaugurated by UDF chairman and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday, is directed by C.K. Haridas and features a cast including Gireesh Nochully, Poovakkode Sajeevan, Rafeek Karalmanna, and V.P. Deepti, with the script by Mr. Mattumantha and background music composed by Sajit Shankar.
On the other hand, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) boasts the support of prominent writers, artists, and cultural leaders rallying behind its candidate M. Swaraj, including K.R. Meera, Benyamin, Deepa Nishanth, Haritha Savithri, and N.E. Sudheer.
The Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, the Left’s cultural front, organised Samskarika Keralam Swarajinoppam (Cultural Kerala with Swaraj), a spirited cultural evening, in Nilambur on Wednesday.
Veteran actor and activist Nilambur Ayisha also endorsed LDF candidate Swaraj, describing him as the kind of leader Nilambur needs — someone who can stand up against superstition and injustice while working for the constituency’s progress.
Speaking at the event, she said, “I was born in a sacred India, but today its condition fills me with sadness. In the past, theatre, cinema, and politics together opposed superstition and immorality. Now, it is Swaraj who keeps that flame alive.”
Several writers and artists, including Kunhahamed, Ashokan Charuvil, Alankode Leelakrishnan, Sheela Tomy, K.P. Ramanunni, Karivallur Murali, P.T. Kunhimohammed, T.R. Ajayan, Priyanandan, Vidhu Vincent, and poets like Atul Narukara, actively supported Swaraj during a recent political rally in Nilambur.
Folk songs and dances were highlights at both camps, energising party workers.
The Nilambur Assembly constituency in Kerala’s Malappuram district, vacated following the resignation of MLA P.V. Anvar in January, will go to the polls for a bye-election on June 19, with the results to be declared on June 23.
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