Kalabhavan Mani was Chalakudy's troubadour. His songs and stories revolved around the town and its people. But for CS Suresh, the LDF-backed independent candidate in the Chalakudy municipality, the late actor-singer was his mentor, his source of strength. And the sitting councillor still evokes Mani's memories while campaigning for the upcoming local body polls

Mani's influence is visible in Suresh's campaign flex boards, too. Voters and travellers to the town stop to read Suresh’s posters when they notice the photo of their favourite actor and singer, who passed away in 2016. 

For Suresh, alias Vinu (50), the sitting councillor of the St Mary’s Church ward in Chalakudy municipality, Mani was not only a friend but also the pillar of support who guided him into politics.

“In 2010, Mani, who was a voter in Chenathunadu (Ward 20), asked the CPM to allot him two seats in the Chalakudy municipality. He decided to field me in Ward 17 — St Mary’s Church — and Antu Vadakkan in Ward 20. During the campaign, he visited every house in Ward 17 for me. Even though he wasn’t a voter there, he still found time to campaign despite his busy shooting schedule. He was active in door-to-door visits. For the voters, I was his representative. He told them to elect me as a show of their support for him. I still remember those days. His public support was reflected in the elections when Antu Vadakkan and I won with a huge majority,” Suresh told Onmanorama.

For the people of Chalakudy, he was far more than just a singer-songwriter. Mani was always there to help in times of need. According to Suresh, people’s trust in Mani earned him votes in the 2010 polls. “In 2015, I did not contest the elections. The next year, Mani passed away. In 2020, I won again from the same ward,” he explained, stressing Mani’s role in his political career.

Mani, Suresh said, understood how politics could be used for the welfare of the people. After the 2010 victory, several projects were implemented in his ward according to Mani’s vision. In 2015, a Vayojana club was built and opened for senior citizens in Chalakudy after Mani convinced the then MP Innocent to sanction ₹20 lakh for the project. An ambulance service was started, and an anganwadi building was constructed as per Mani’s plans. From clearing roadside thickets to helping people in need, Mani remained a strong leader and friend, Suresh said. When there was no municipal funding, he took on the full cost of some works. Mani also took the initiative to renovate the Chalakudy market during the 2010-15 period.

“He had also planned rehabilitation for low-income families living on poramboke land. We worked together and led the municipality in raising funds to build houses for them. I completed every plan Mani wanted to execute within five years,” Suresh said.

The friendship between Suresh and Mani was never political. Their bond began in childhood, as their fathers were close friends. Though Mani is no more, Suresh continues to stay connected with his family.

“Mani’s wife and daughter no longer live in Chalakudy. They moved away for their daughter’s higher studies after her MBBS. Mani’s brother Ramakrishnan is also my friend,” he said.

Suresh claimed that through his dedicated service to the people, he has proved that Mani’s faith in him was not misplaced. Though he did not contest the 2015 election, he made a strong comeback in 2020 by winning the ward and becoming the opposition leader in the UDF-ruled Chalakudy municipality, he said.

In January, Suresh made headlines by staging a sit-in protest at the municipality office and receiving a reply to his RTI petition within three hours. He launched the protest after the municipal secretary failed to respond to his query for 52 days. Suresh had filed the RTI application regarding the municipality’s much-publicised Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP). The plant, installed inside the civic body’s Kalabhavan Mani Park, has allegedly been non-operational despite being set up with much fanfare. He alleged that the ruling party deliberately delayed the RTI reply, in connivance with municipal officials, to conceal the reality of the ₹50-lakh plant.

Suresh has also been vocal about the municipality’s failure to address the stray dog menace in the town.

This time, Suresh is contesting from Vettukadavu, Ward 19. However, he could not secure the ‘bell’ symbol — the one Mani had chosen for him in 2010 — as the Election Commission has allotted it to another political party. This time, the umbrella is his symbol.

“This is my third election. I wanted to show my respect and love for Mani through my campaign. Before my first election, he told me that my focus should always be on people’s welfare and supporting the poor. I still follow this mantra. After his demise, I place his photograph at every event where I play a role. Compared to St Mary’s Church ward, Vettukadavu needs more development. If I win, my work will be a tribute to Mani,” he said emotionally.

“For Chalakudy, Mani is immortal. I’m proud that he introduced me to the people as his changathi (friend). He still guides me like a good friend. I’m confident that everyone who loves Mani will support me in this election,” he added.

Suresh is contesting against UDF’s Geo Kizhakkumthala and independent candidate Denny Muthedan in Vettukadavu ward.