In Kerala, two local election candidates are breaking the usual loud campaign style. K. Sankaran, BJP candidate for Mariyappally ward in Kottayam Municipality, decided to campaign without posters, banners, or festoons. His party was worried, but he said, "My well wishers asked me to keep at least ten campaigning materials. If someone were to come to my ward, they wouldn’t know that I’m contesting. There are no boards or posters announcing my candidature." Unlike his rivals Sabu Pallivathukal (UDF) and Santhosh Kuttuveli (LDF), who use traditional visuals, Sankaran believes his past work since 2005 will speak for him. Currently, he is the councillor for Kannadikkadavu ward and education standing committee chairman. He shares, "People are surprised by the absence of the campaign materials. All that I have is a notice, which I distribute when I go to the houses. No other campaigning materials are used. I believe that it is unnecessary expenditure. I intend to use the money to help someone, I do have a family in my mind." Similarly, octogenarian independent candidate P.N. Narayanan Nair, contesting Ashamannoor ward in Ernakulam, has chosen the same path. His son, K.N. Anilkumar, says, "My father wanted to compete. He has been thinking about it for the last ten years. He campaigns alone, meeting people in their houses." Nair wakes early to meet voters personally and hopes his community work and vision will earn him votes. Both candidates emphasize personal connection over flashy visuals in this election season.