THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If fan following is the indicator of political success in the state, then K.B. Ganesh Kumar would never have become an MLA. When he was first fielded from Pathanapuram in 2001, Ganesh Kumar was not even the hero’s chief side-kick. This inconsequence as an actor was Ganesh's blessing. Without facing the ridicule the state has always reserved for actors with political aspirations, he could effectively milk the political clout he had bequeathed like an heirloom from his father R. Balakrishna Pillai.
Infinitely more popular actors have either sensed the writing on the wall and had desisted from contesting (Prem Nazir for instance) or had bitten the dust (the late Murali). “Way back in 1965, I still remember how people booed Sheela when she came to campaign for Ramu Karyat in Naatika. Malayalis have always shown filmstars their place,” said social commentator M.N. Karassery.
As a result, the star option was rarely used in the state. However, though there seems to be a crowd of star candidates, they can be found only in two constituencies. And each party have used stars differently. CPM fielded Mukesh in Kollam, a safe seat, and not to unseat a formidable opponent like they did with Murali. The Congress’s choice of Jagad eesh in Pathanapuram was a bold gamble. As for BJP, a relatively lightweight actor like Bheeman Raghu was promptly fielded in Pathanapuram.
