Where Else Will He Go, If Not to Victory? Nilambur Speaks

The land of the world’s finest teak, Nilambur, is a dream destination for tourists. Its dense forests, clear skies, and fresh, invigorating air offer an experience that few places can rival. But this monsoon season, the air is charged not just with the scent of rain, but with the fiery pulse of an election campaign in full swing.
As the Rajya Rani train pulls out of Kochuveli and reaches Nilambur by 5:30 AM, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air. This by-election is shaping up to be one of the most closely observed in Kerala’s political history.
By 10 AM, the CPI M Area Committee office is already alive with energy. Young volunteers are busy assembling election pamphlets for LDF candidate M Swaraj. From central committee leaders to local branch members, and activists from class and mass organisations, everyone who could reach Nilambur is already here, fuelling the campaign with unmatched enthusiasm.
When the rain paused on the 6th, the sun took over, but its glare couldn’t stop the tide of people who turned out to walk with M Swaraj for his candidate rally. From toddlers to the elderly, hundreds gathered to greet him. Among them was actor P P Kunhikrishnan, known for his role in Enna Than Case Kodu, who travelled all the way from Kasaragod to Manakkad in Edakkara panchayat. “There’s no need to introduce M Swaraj to Nilambur, he’s already in their hearts,” Kunhikrishnan said to Deshabhimani. He even sang for Swaraj:
“Idathu Munnani Zindabad, Sakhav Swaraj Zindabad

Arivaalum Chuttikayum, athil oli minnunoru nakshatravum

Athanu nammude adayalam

Athinnu nere seal cheyyoo…”
Kunhikrishnan promised to return before polling day.
Manakkad witnessed another heartfelt moment when Sulaiman, an announcer and IUML supporter who studied with Swaraj, greeted him with a hug. Despite their political differences, Sulaiman is now rooting for his old friend. He waited patiently to speak to Swaraj and click a picture, an image of affection that transcended party lines.
From Manakkad to Karunechi, people followed Swaraj’s campaign convoy in their vehicles. Former classmates stood by the roadside just to catch a glimpse of their once student leader, still a powerful orator. “There’s no competition here, he will win,” said one. “People admire him for his sharp memory and clarity of thought.”
As the rally progressed, the crowd swelled. People pushed to the front of Swaraj’s vehicle for photos and selfies. Even Sulaiman followed him throughout the campaign trail, beaming with pride.
At Parli, MLAs M Vijin and Linto Joseph were already addressing the crowd when Swaraj arrived, later joined by Health Minister Veena George. In a public meeting at Palamedu, Veena George reminded the crowd, “Nilambur knows Swaraj, not as a visitor, but as someone who has lived and grown here.”
On Sunday, the Green Art Auditorium in Kodathippadi was filled with teachers, classmates, and friends from Swaraj’s past. Even political opponents came to express support. Sindhu Shankar, once a KSU activist, recalled being moved by Swaraj’s speeches. Renowned writer K R Meera, too, voiced her solidarity. In a Facebook post, she had earlier questioned why the Congress couldn't field someone of Swaraj’s calibre.
Dr. Mini Prasad, one of Swaraj’s former teachers, called him “a political being from head to toe.” She remembered how, even as a young student, he questioned gender bias in Malayalam cinema and analysed M T Vasudevan Nair’s Manju through the lens of globalisation.
And then came the moment that captured the spirit of this campaign, a video of Parvathy Kallembadath, which quickly went viral. “Of course, Swaraj will win. Where else will he go if not to victory?” she asked with a smile with fewer teeth in front. Parvathy proudly shared that her grandchild once studied with Swaraj.
Swaraj’s first teacher, Divakaran, still treasures an old issue of Ureka magazine, the one that carried the news of Swaraj winning first place in a quiz competition while he was just in the fourth standard. “Back then, we had no idea he would go on to achieve such heights in public life,” Divakaran reflects with pride.
As Nilambur Ayisha puts it, there’s no doubt in her mind about the outcome, “He will win,” she says with quiet confidence. “He is a treasure for Kerala.”
This is Nilambur today, a land where towering teak trees are matched only by the depth of its memories, the strength of its emotions, and the steadfast trust of its people. Here, support for M Swaraj is not transactional; it springs from affection, conviction, and lived experience. A political moment is taking root, not in pages of manifestos alone, but in the very hearts of the people. As polling day approaches, the winds in Nilambur are set to turn decisively in favour of the CPI M and people's candidate, M Swaraj.