Alappuzha, March 12: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has reacted sharply to senior leader G. Sudhakaran’s indication of contesting the assembly elections as an independent candidate from Ambalappuzha. This decision, after over six decades of association with the party, has stirred significant political ripples in Kerala.
CPI(M) district secretary R. Nazar stated that despite changing the party candidate in Ambalappuzha, the organization treated the former minister with considerable respect. He noted that Sudhakaran was given full honor and status, even being allocated a special room at the district office. Nazar mentioned that Sudhakaran was included in the newly formed branch committee at his request, but gradually began distancing himself from the party.
He revealed that when it became known that Sudhakaran would not renew his party membership, senior leaders personally met with him in an attempt to persuade him to stay. Nazar emphasized, “The party has always honored him as the brother of a martyr. Even after this announcement, we hope he will reconsider his decision.”
Party General Secretary and Sudhakaran’s former cabinet colleague M.A. Baby also described the situation as “very unfortunate.” State Minister Saji Cheriyan commented that Sudhakaran’s decision to run for elections is personal but asserted that it would not affect the party in Ambalappuzha “in the slightest.” He added that CPI(M) had not done anything to justify Sudhakaran’s departure.
Meanwhile, in Sudhakaran’s home area of Punnapra, posters criticizing his decision have appeared. These posters label him a “class traitor” and state, “No forgiveness, no votes.” It is believed these posters were put up by party workers, signaling the start of a grassroots campaign against him.
Sudhakaran’s announcement has significantly altered the political dynamics in Ambalappuzha, a constituency long considered a stronghold of CPI(M). However, party leadership maintains that voters in the region support the party’s ideology and election symbol over individual candidates.
Alappuzha is regarded as one of CPI(M)’s strongest organizational bases after Kannur. However, factionalism has been observed in the past, with even prominent leaders like former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan facing electoral defeats amid internal disputes.
Once seen as a close ally of Achuthanandan and later a supporter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Sudhakaran recently alleged that he was being deliberately sidelined within the party. Despite distancing himself from the organization, Sudhakaran insists he remains committed to communist ideology, asserting that his independent candidacy is a protest against the party’s current trends.
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