Ramesh Pisharody | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has raised questions about the “apolitical” nature of actor Ramesh Pisharody, the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in Kerala’s Palakkad constituency, pointing to his statement dismissing protests in Kerala against the Gaza deaths.
CPI(M) central committee member TM Thomas Isaac as well as CPI(M) Palakkad district secretary EN Suresh Babu have over the past two days highlighted Mr. Pisharody’s comments a few months ago.
United Democratic Front candidate Ramesh Pisharody takes a selfie with lawyers at the Palakkad District Court during his election campaign on Monday. | Photo credit: KK Mustafah
Addressing a public function, Mr. Pisharody said that the pro-Palestine protests in Kerala have not produced any result other than creating enmity among people. “We are witnessing several protests here also because of the Israeli-Palestinian issue. These are issues that have been going on for years. Any protest or statement here in solidarity with or against these issues will only lead to conflicts over religion and caste among common people who are not at all connected to these issues. Other than that, there is no other outcome from these protests,” he said.
Speaking in Palakkad on Sunday evening, Mr. Isaac said the Congress should have fielded a candidate “who can talk politics” and has public support rather than a “joker”.
“Mr. Pisharody is saying that the killing of thousands, including children, should not be discussed here because these things do not concern us. He should at least understand the Congress’ stand on the issue. After fielding such a candidate, the Congress is making baseless allegations of collusion between the LDF and the BJP, ignoring their own history of alliance with the BJP in elections,” Mr. Isaac said.
Mr. Pisharody then told the media that he “doesn’t give a damn about tattoos” to Mr. Isaac. “Culture is not something that can be achieved through protest. I don’t understand why the Left movement, which was built by KPAC artists, has now turned against artists,” he said.
After a ‘joker’ reference about the actor sparked controversy, Mr Isaac apologized for the remarks. However, he reiterated that he never questioned Mr. Pisharody’s ability as an actor, but made political criticism of his stance on the Palestinian issue.
He spoke as a half sanghi: Babu
Mr. Babu said Mr. Pisharody’s remarks about the deaths in Gaza did not bode well for a politician. “He spoke like a half Sanghi. Only Sangh Parivar supporters can justify Israel’s actions,” he said.
Published – 23 March 2026 14:12 IST
