Alappuzha (Kerala), March 14 Leaders of the CPI(M) in Alappuzha on Saturday criticized rebel leader G Sudhakaran, who has decided to contest the assembly elections as an independent candidate, despite the party's state leadership asking cadres to refrain from making personal remarks against him.
The four-time MLA decided not to renew his party membership and announced that he would contest the Ambalapuzha constituency independently, alleging that party members had attacked him on social media.
Kerala Minister Saji Cherian, who is from the Alappuzha district, told reporters here that there was nothing wrong with the CPI(M) leaders in the district, saying that Sudhakaran has "betrayed" the party.
"It is not a personal matter. Saying that he betrayed the party and calling him a betrayer are different," Cherian told reporters.
He said that when a person leaves the party after holding several positions, including that of an MLA, it amounts to "betrayal".
"If he does not see anything wrong in it, that shows the level of political degradation in him," Cherian said.
Cherian said that Sudhakaran was the leader of all party workers in the district until Thursday, when he announced his decision to contest the election as an independent candidate.
"He had all the leadership qualities to lead the party in the district until two days ago. By deciding to contest the election as an independent, everything has ended," he said.
Cherian said that Sudhakaran had never complained to the party or its leadership about being sidelined.
He added that while personal relations would continue, the party would strongly oppose his political move.
"We question the political stand he has taken. We will make people aware of the issue and counter the matter politically," he said.
Cherian alleged that the Congress was playing foul in the issue as part of a larger political agenda.
"This will create internal and political issues within the Congress. We will highlight this before the people," he said.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) MLA H Salam said that Sudhakaran leaving the party and contesting as an independent from the Ambalapuzha constituency would not have any impact on the party.
Salam is the current MLA of Ambalapuzha and is likely to contest again as the CPI(M) candidate in the upcoming Assembly election.
He said that the strength of the Communist Party lies in its collective structure and not in individuals.
"Even if someone who created the party leaves it, it does not weaken the party. The Communist Party does not function on the basis of personal relationships but on collective decisions," he said.
Salam said that he continues to maintain respect for Sudhakaran but responded as there was a need to clarify matters before the public.
"When wrong things are said among the people, we have to convince them of the facts. Otherwise, I usually avoid responding," he said.
Referring to his tenure as MLA, Salam said that during the past five years neither the UDF nor the BJP had organised any protest accusing him of wrongdoing.
"I believe I have discharged the responsibility entrusted to me by the people and the party without any allegations," he said.
On Sudhakaran contesting from Ambalapuzha, Salam said that the Left Democratic Front would face the election strongly regardless of the candidate.
"Every election is a tough contest. Whoever the candidate is, we are confident of winning again with the support and trust of the people," he said.
Responding to remarks by Sudhakaran calling him a “political criminal”, Salam said he would reply only if the party asks him to do so.
"If the party decides that I should respond, I will do so with evidence," he added.
He also said that the LDF would highlight the state government’s development achievements during the campaign.
Sudhakaran’s decision to contest as an independent after severing ties with the CPI(M) has not gone down well with party supporters, who have pasted posters at various places in the constituency criticising him.
Later in the evening, CPI(M) leaders and workers held a rally in Punnapra, beginning at the residence of former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and culminating near Sudhakaran’s residence.
The rally, organised by CPI(M) district leaders, was intended to demonstrate the party’s unity despite the senior leader’s exit.
Hundreds attended the rally, holding a banner that read “No pardon to betrayer”.