PALA: Wearing a 'palathoppi' (traditional farmers cap) and holding an axe, Poovarani native Sunil is busy seeking votes by visiting houses of voters. What makes him even more special is the fact that he is contesting from three seats at the same time. Sunil is contesting from Kottayam District Panchayat Bharananganam Division, Lalam Block Poovarani Division and Meenachil Panchayat Palakkad Ward as an independent candidate. His symbol is the same in all three places- an axe. Officials say there are no legal issues for a candidate to contest like this.

52-year-old Sunil is a benevolent person who is willing to do any job. Sunil, who studied up to pre-degree, got a job as a wireless operator in the army at the age of 18. However, he soon skipped training and returned home. He then began taking up wage labour. His main hobby is contesting elections. In the recent by-elections in Pala, he contested as an independent candidate and got around 100 votes.