Divine Names Dominate Kollengode Panchayat Elections in Palakkad

PALAKKAD: The ongoing panchayat elections in Kollengode, Palakkad district, have captured widespread attention due to the unique lineup of candidates, many of whom bear the names of Hindu deities. The picturesque village, recently recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country, is witnessing a captivating electoral battle where figures named Guruvayoorappan, Sivan, Murugan, and Kalidasan are vying for local council seats.

In the Nenmeni ward of Kollengode, the contest is particularly noteworthy. K. Guruvayoorappan is representing the United Democratic Front (UDF), while R. Sivan is the candidate for the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Both Guruvayoorappan and Sivan are incumbent panchayat members, adding an element of continuity to this unique election.

The intriguing situation first garnered public attention when a tourist visiting Kollengode shared photographs of the candidates’ election campaign boards on social media. The novelty of candidates named after gods quickly went viral, with over 3 million views on an Instagram page highlighting this ward election’s peculiarity.

Kollengode, a tranquil village nestled near Pollachi, unexpectedly rose to fame two years ago. It gained widespread recognition after a group of young individuals, through their Instagram page ‘Colors of Bharat,’ began showcasing beautiful villages across India and featured Kollengode. The village’s fortunes significantly shifted when prominent industrialist Anand Mahindra tweeted, tagging ‘Colors of Bharat,’ stating that Kollengode was “the third most beautiful village I wish to see.”

Located approximately 22 kilometers from Palakkad and 36 kilometers from Pollachi, Kollengode exhibits a strong Tamil cultural influence. This regional characteristic is reflected in the names of many of its residents, who often carry names derived from Hindu deities, providing a cultural backdrop to the current electoral scene.