In a politically charged yet culturally rooted address in Dubai, noted Malayalam author M. Mukundan stated that Kerala’s electorate is inclined toward granting a third consecutive mandate to the state’s progressive leadership.
Speaking at the concluding session of Orma Literature Fest 2026, Mukundan observed that the present political era is witnessing heightened polarization. In such circumstances, he argued, developmental continuity becomes crucial. According to him, the desire for governance stability is emerging from the people themselves — the ultimate custodians of democratic power.
Echoing the sentiment, cultural activist Karivellur Murali challenged the notion that power must change hands by default after a fixed period. He termed such assumptions a denial of democratic sovereignty, stressing that in a true democracy, it is the people’s mandate — not convention — that determines leadership.
The closing event, hosted at Hampton International School, brought together a vibrant diaspora audience. Literary voices including P. N. Gopikrishnan and Muse Mary George enriched the gathering with their participation.
Over two days, the festival facilitated discussions on literature, culture, and contemporary politics among UAE-based Malayalam writers and intellectuals. The event concluded with the presentation of the Orma–Bose Kuncheri Literary Awards, marking yet another significant milestone for the Malayalam literary diaspora in the Gulf region.
