Kerala Farmer Cultivates Massive Political Symbol in Agricultural Field
In the village of Panalal, Mattannur, Kerala, political devotion takes root in the most literal sense. P Madhusudanan, a lifelong Communist Party of India (Marxist) supporter, has transformed agricultural cultivation into an extraordinary form of political campaigning. For the fourth consecutive election cycle, his borrowed farmland showcases not traditional crops but a sprawling, meticulously maintained 30-foot hammer and sickle symbol.
Red Spinach and Green Paddy Create Political Artwork
This election season, Madhusudanan has innovated his approach by using vibrant red spinach to form the iconic CPM symbol while employing green paddy plants to spell out the name of the party's young candidate, V K Sanoj. "I typically utilize paddy or landscape grass for these creations," explained Madhusudanan, who is affectionately called Madhuvettan by local residents. "This time, I decided to experiment with red spinach to ensure the symbol appears more striking and visually prominent."
The agricultural political artwork has evolved into a significant local attraction that party members eagerly anticipate with each election cycle. The symbol has attracted notable political figures, including candidate Sanoj himself and former health minister K K Shailaja, who visited during previous installations.
Six Weeks of Meticulous Preparation and Care
Madhusudanan, who works professionally as a security guard, borrowed a friend's agricultural plot that previously hosted heyyam rituals, requiring minimal land clearing. His preparation process began six weeks before the symbol's completion. He first sketched the intricate design directly into the earth, then enriched the soil with lime and poultry manure before sowing the red spinach seeds on March 1.
The maintenance regimen demonstrates remarkable dedication. "The symbol has emerged beautifully," Madhusudanan shared. "I provide watering twice daily, remove any emerging weeds promptly, and perform hands-on tending every evening after completing my security duties. Nearby farmers pump water from a communal pond, which I collect and store in drums for irrigation purposes."
Deep-Rooted Political Commitment
Madhusudanan's connection to the CPM extends far beyond agricultural symbolism. In 1993, he spent nearly twenty days in jail for participating in a Democratic Youth Federation of India march to the Deputy Inspector General's office in Kozhikode. "My political engagement remains fundamentally local," he explained. "Since I lack public speaking abilities, I contribute through methods within my capabilities."
In contemporary times, his political activities have expanded to include social media management alongside his agricultural campaigning. As the April 9 election approaches, Madhusudanan expresses confidence about Panalal's political landscape, describing the village as a party stronghold where he expects widespread support for the hammer and sickle symbol.
This unique fusion of agriculture and political expression highlights how individual creativity can transform traditional campaigning methods, creating living symbols that grow literally from the land they seek to represent.
