KOLLAM: Malayalam writer K R Meera asks for ‘payment’ openly from candidate for her vote and support. Meera was the chief orator at the old students gathering convened for the victory of K N Balagopal, the LDF candidate of Kollam. The audience were surprised when she wished him good luck and asked for remuneration.

Meera's demand was a ‘reward’ for bringing in a project to protect the Sasthamcotta Lake which is sinking. The full packed audience was elated. She reminded the audience that the Sasthamcotta Lake which has the beauty of Dal Lake in Kashmir satisfies the thirst of Kollam city. I like Balagopal, the chap who executed the bagless project to simplify the study burden of children. She ended her speech in the presence of M A Baby, Ministers Dr Thomas Isaac and J Mercykutty Amma.