Alappuzha, March 16 Rebel CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, who announced that he would contest the assembly election from Ambalapuzha as an independent, visited former SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan here on Monday.
Sudhakaran reached Natesan's house at Kanichukulangara and spent about half an hour there.
The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam represents the Ezhava community, which has a significant presence in the Ambalapuzha constituency.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Natesan said Sudhakaran informed him about his decision to contest the election.
He said Sudhakaran did not seek his support during the meeting.
"Due to my health issues, he asked me not to speak much. Later, he met my wife and returned," Natesan said.
The Kerala High Court recently disqualified all the office-bearers and the entire Board of Directors of the SNDP Yogam, including its general secretary, Vellappally Natesan, for non-compliance with statutory requirements under the Companies Act.
When asked whether he would support Sudhakaran, Natesan said a clear poll picture was yet to emerge.
There are reports that the UDF will back Sudhakaran in Ambalapuzha.
"It is yet to be revealed whether he will be backed by the UDF or whether he will contest without the support of any front. I will say it later," he said.
Natesan said Sudhakaran is a popular leader with a good reputation among voters in the district.
"Sudhakaran has good public support and influence in the district. He is a gentleman and has proved to be a sincere leader. He has also proved to be smart in the government earlier," Natesan said.
However, he added that Sudhakaran had received all his positions through the party.
He also said Sudhakaran's candidature would not have any impact on the CPI(M) outside the Ambalapuzha constituency.
"He has influence in the district. But let us wait and see whether it will have any impact," Natesan said.
Four-time MLA and former minister Sudhakaran decided not to renew his party membership, claiming that he and his family were attacked online by CPI(M) cadres and that he did not receive proper recognition from the party's district leadership.
The CPI(M) has announced sitting MLA H Salam as its candidate in Ambalapuzha.
Kerala goes to polls on April 9.
