Poet and cultural activist Alankode Leelakrishnan, who was selected as the Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate in the Thrissur assembly constituency, said he was not mentally prepared to become a candidate but is gradually coming to terms with the new role.
Although he was not an active political worker, Mr. Leelakrishnan said he had long been a fellow traveler of the Left movement. “But the support of those who stand with me gives me strength and I am slowly adapting to the role of candidate.” On Wednesday, he visited party offices and held talks with party leaders and workers.
Expressing confidence in the Left’s prospects in the constituency, he said that the Left Democratic Front has a good chance of winning in Thrissur this time as well.
“The communist movement has always moved forward by overcoming crises. It is the only humanist movement that stands firm against communalism and racism,” he said.
He added that communalism cannot be defeated by religion. “Religious fundamentalism can only be defeated by secular humanism. Religion cannot be countered by religion. Leftist movements consistently defend humanity and the rights of the poor and marginalized,” he said.
Mr. Leelakrishnan also said that he believed that the Left was the only movement that consistently resisted communalism, fascism, racism and divisive politics. Referring to the government in the last decade, he said the policies of the Left government protected the interests of the common people.
Earlier in the day, Mr Leelakrishnan was received with flowers by CPI leaders including CPI district secretary KG Sivanandan, P Balachandran, MLA and former minister VS Sunil Kumar at the party’s district office. Later he visited the Communist Party of India (Marxist) office and met District Secretary KV Abdul Khader and other leaders.
Published – 11 March 2026 21:03 IST
