K. Sankaran, BJP candidate for Mariyapalli ward in Kottayam municipality. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
At a time when colorful posters, garlands, banners and billboards dominate the state’s campaign scene, at least two candidates have decided to ditch them and focus on meeting voters in person.
When K. Sankaran, a BJP candidate contesting from Mariyappally constituency in Kottayam municipality, told his party colleagues that he would contest the local body elections without any visual aids for campaigning like posters or banners, everyone was apprehensive. They felt he was taking a huge risk.
“My supporters have asked me to keep at least ten promotional materials. If someone came to my ward, they would not know that I am contesting. There are no notice boards or posters announcing my candidature,” explains Mr. Sankaran.
At the same time, he says that his political opponents, UDF’s Sabu Pallivathukal and LDF’s Santhosh Kuttuveli, are taking the traditional route of campaigning.
But Mr Sankaran remained confident and believed the work he had done in the ward when he was a councilor in 2005 was important.
As candidates intensify their efforts to win elections, many are relying on visual aids such as banners, posters and brochures. However, some take a more minimalist approach depending on word of mouth.
Currently, Mr. Sankaran is the Councilor of Ward Number 41, Kannadikkadavu in Kottayam Municipality and also serves as the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Education.
“People are surprised by the absence of campaign materials. I only have notices that I hand out when I go to houses. No other campaign materials are used. I think it’s an unnecessary expense. I intend to use the money to help someone, I think of the family,” he says.
AS MR Sankaran, an octogenarian mr shortn nair, an independent candidate contesting Ward 2 of Ashamanoor Grama Panchayat in Perumbavoor, ernakulam, has also adopted a similla strategy.
Mr. Nair believes that spending money on campaign materials is a waste, so all he does is leave his house at 7 a.m. and visit houses and meet people. Mr. Nair is chasing a dream he has been carrying for the past ten years.
“My father wanted to contest. He has been thinking about it for the past ten years. He is campaigning alone, meeting people at their homes,” says KN Anilkumar, his son.
“I am sure people can vote for him. He has been active even after retirement, helping people do things at Krishi Bhavan etc. He has a certain vision and has shared some ideas which he intends to implement if he wins,” he said.
Published – 03 Dec 2025 0:33 IST
