Palakkad: Malayalam actor and comedian Ramesh Pisharody has reacted after being announced as the UDF candidate for the Palakkad Assembly constituency, expressing happiness and pride at contesting the election under the Congress party symbol.
In a Facebook post, the actor said he feels honoured to contest the election on the "hand" symbol of the Indian National Congress, which he described as one of the most widely recognised electoral symbols in democratic history.
Pisharody said he is returning to his native district, Palakkad, to seek the people's mandate, marking a new chapter in his public life after more than two decades in the entertainment industry.
"For over 25 years, I have been reaching audiences through stage programmes, television, cinema and other media. I believe I have been able to share thoughts and laughter with dignity and respect," he said.
The actor added that he will now take up a new responsibility as a legislative candidate from Palakkad, focusing on the needs and development of the constituency.
Announcing a shift in priorities, Pisharody said he would pause his stage programmes and performance commitments while entering active politics.
He noted that the people of Palakkad and their concerns would now be his first priority, signalling a full-time focus on his election campaign and public responsibilities.
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Pisharody also expressed pride in representing the Indian National Congress, saying the party has played a key role in building secular democratic India since the freedom struggle.
The actor said he has always received love and support from people beyond political or ideological differences, and promised to work hard to return that trust.
"I will work with dedication to give back the affection I have received from people over the years," he said in the Facebook post.