Alappuzha (Kerala), March 12 Rebel CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran announced on Thursday that he would contest the upcoming Assembly elections from the Ambalapuzha constituency as an independent, prompting agitated party workers to line the streets near his home with posters branding him a "traitor".
The Congress-led UDF is closely watching the development, with leaders saying they would discuss within the front whether to extend support to Sudhakaran in the election.
The former state minister, widely recognized for his clean image and administrative abilities, had recently said he would not renew his party membership, alleging personal attacks by a section of CPI(M) cadres on social media.
Speaking to reporters here, the 79-year-old leader said he would contest the polls as an independent candidate from the constituency, which is considered a CPI(M) stronghold.
Ending his over six-decade-long association with the CPI(M), Sudhakaran said he had faced personal attacks from party cadres and was unable to function even in the branch committee, prompting him not to renew his membership.
“I have not renewed my membership, and I am no longer a party member. Based on the experiences I faced, I decided to contest in this constituency as an independent,” he said.
A four-time MLA, Sudhakaran said that even after deciding to contest as an independent, he would not speak against the Communist Party and would not indulge in character assassination.
“There is no question of support from the UDF as I have not sought it. I have not spoken to anyone,” he said.
Regarding contesting against the CPI(M), he said his fight was not against the party.
“If the party gives the seat to someone, let that person win,” he said.
Sudhakaran represented the Kayamkulam constituency from 1996 to 2001 and later served as the legislator from the Ambalapuzha constituency from 2006 to 2021.
Following his announcement, posters describing him as a “traitor” appeared in various parts of the Ambalapuzha constituency, including near his residence.
Reactions from the CPI(M) leadership were mixed following the announcement.
CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby said it was unfortunate that a leader like Sudhakaran, who had served the party for a long period, had announced his decision to contest the election.
“If he has announced to contest the election as an independent, it is sad. The remaining matters will be decided after party discussions,” Baby said, adding that he had spoken to Sudhakaran over the phone on Wednesday.
However, Minister Saji Cherian said the party had given Sudhakaran several opportunities in different capacities, including as a minister.
“We have not asked him to leave the party. He should explain why he left the party he served for 63 years. If he wants to contest the election, he should say it openly instead of blaming the party,” Cherian said.
CPI(M) MLA H Salam, who succeeded Sudhakaran in Ambalapuzha, said the senior leader had earlier taught them how to deal with people who betray the party.
Alappuzha CPI(M) district secretary R Nazar denied that Sudhakaran had been sidelined in the party.
“We gave more consideration to him than to any other comrade,” he said.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders came forward in support of Sudhakaran.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said Sudhakaran had upheld his values throughout his political career.
“If you want to see a true communist, it can be seen in Sudhakaran. In his personal and social life, he upheld his values,” Chennithala said.
He added that the Congress and UDF leadership would discuss whether to support Sudhakaran in Ambalapuzha.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the party had not held any discussion with Sudhakaran so far but was closely monitoring the developments.
“We seriously see his announcement of candidature from Ambalapuzha constituency and will take a decision only after discussions with party leaders,” he said.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan also criticised the CPI(M), alleging that the party had moved away from its Left ideology.