Alappuzha (Kerala), March 12 In a major blow to the CPI(M), veteran leader G Sudhakaran announced on Thursday that he was severing all ties with the party and declared his candidature from his home constituency, Ambalappuzha, in this coastal district in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Sudhakaran had recently announced that he would not renew his party membership, allegedly after being personally attacked by party members on social media platforms.
Speaking to reporters here, he said he would contest the elections as an independent candidate in the constituency, which is a stronghold of the CPI(M).
"There is no question of seeking support from the UDF, as I have not done so. I have not spoken to anyone," he said.
The former minister also said that he would not organize rallies or conventions as part of his election campaign.
"I have not sought anyone's support," he said.
Sudhakaran said he would discuss political issues during the campaign but would not criticize the government and was unsure whether there was any anti-incumbency sentiment.
He said he would speak against corruption.
Sudhakaran said he had not submitted any complaint to the state committee and had resolved issues at lower levels.
He added that he had never approached the chief minister or the party leadership seeking their intervention or a ticket.
Referring to recent reports about him, Sudhakaran said that several statements attributed to him in the media were incorrect.
He also said that there were reports that he would contest as an independent with the UDF's support, which he termed as propaganda.
Sudhakaran said that no party leaders had approached him for reconciliation, even though some leaders had visited him.
He said he joined the party 68 years ago, when he was in school, and became active in party activities while studying at SN College in 1967.
"I did not join the party after being forced by anyone," he said.
Sudhakaran said that he had not renewed his party membership, which is scrutinised by the CPI(M) branch committee.
"When I leave the party, I am also leaving organisational work. But I am not abandoning the party's ideology and policies," he said.