Poet Alankode Leelakrishnan steps into political arena as CPI candidate in Thrissur

Poet and cultural activist Alankode Leelakrishnan, who has been selected as the Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate in the Thrissur Assembly constituency, has said that he was not mentally prepared to become a candidate but is gradually coming to terms with the new role.

Though he was not an active political worker, Mr. Leelakrishnan said he had long been a fellow traveller of the Left movement. “But the support of those standing with me gives me strength, and I am slowly adapting to the role of a candidate.” He visited party offices and interacted with party leaders and workers on Wednesday.

Expressing confidence in the Left’s prospects in the constituency, he said the Left Democratic Front has strong chances of victory in Thrissur this time as well.

“The communist movement has always moved forward by overcoming crises. It is the only humanist movement that stands firmly 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 with religion. The Left movement has consistently stood for humanity and for the rights of the poor and the marginalised,” he said.

Mr. Leelakrishnan also said he believes the Left is the only movement that consistently resists communalism, fascism, racism and divisive politics. Referring to the governance of the past decade, he said the Left government’s policies had protected the interests of ordinary people.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Leelakrishnan was received with flowers by CPI leaders including CPI district secretary K.G. Sivanandan, P. Balachandran, MLA, and the former Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar at the party’s district office. He later visited the office of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and met district secretary K.V. Abdul Khader and other leaders.