Kalpetta: Wayanad's O R Kelu is set to become a minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala. Despite his political stature as a CPM state committee member and the MLA for Mananthavady, Kelu remains deeply rooted as a farmer, cultivating crops such as bananas, tapioca, and rice. He belongs to the Kurichiya community in Wayanad.

Known for his leadership qualities, Kelu enjoys widespread acceptance, even among his political opponents. His journey in public service began in 2000 as a member of the Thirunelly Grama panchayat. Over the years, he served as the president of the Thirunelly Grama Panchayat and later as a member of the Mananthavady block panchayat. In 2016, Kelu was elected to the Legislative Assembly for the first time after defeating the incumbent MLA, Jayalakshmi. In his first assembly election, Kelu won by a margin of 1307 votes, and in the subsequent contest, his majority increased to an impressive 9282 votes.

Kelu has demonstrated his effectiveness as a people's representative by successfully implementing various development schemes across the Mananthavady constituency. During the 2021 Assembly elections, his campaign highlighted the positive impact of these projects in different areas. His efforts led to substantial improvements in the lives of those from backward communities, and significant advancements were made in the educational landscape of Mananthavady. One of his notable achievements is the introduction of the 'Ujjwalam' education program. Furthermore, Kelu backed the SEVAS scheme, an initiative by Samagra Shiksha Kerala, which brought about remarkable progress in the Thirunelly region, known for its sizable Scheduled Tribes (ST) population. As a result, Thirunelly has been recognised as the sole 'SEVAS' grama panchayat in the district. 

The ongoing renovation of roads and bridges, including those affected by floods, is making steady progress. The establishment of Wayanad Medical College in the constituency is another noteworthy accomplishment, despite facing some challenges in its implementation.

A common man

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Kelu with his family

Born on August 2, 1970, to the couple Ram and Ammu, Kelu was a daily wager before becoming a public servant. He has worked in various roles, including labouring in estates and the power loom industry. Even though he is busy with his political career, Kelu remains engaged as a farmer, cultivating bananas, tapioca, and rice and also tending to cows and chickens. His wife, Shantha, is a housewife. The couple has two children: Midhuna, a Range Beat Forest officer in Begur, and Bhavana, a student.