Thiruvananthapuram, June 3: Senior leader G. Sudhakaran made a memorable return to the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday. In his inaugural speech as an independent MLA in the 16th Kerala Assembly, he raised pointed questions regarding the state’s cultural landscape, the mindset of the youth, current politics, and the direction of leftist ideology.
This speech was particularly significant as Sudhakaran was once a prominent leader of the CPI(M) and had been associated with the party for over five decades. He has served as an MLA four times and was the Minister of Public Works in the first Pinarayi Vijayan government from 2016 to 2021. However, after the CPI(M) denied him a ticket in the 2021 assembly elections, tensions arose between him and the party leadership.
When he decided to contest again in the recent assembly elections, the Congress-led UDF supported him in his traditional Ambalappuzha constituency. Despite strong opposition from his former party, G. Sudhakaran achieved a remarkable victory, regarded as one of the most significant political wins of the election.
In recognition of his achievements, the UDF appointed him as the pro tem speaker, after which he administered the oath to the 139 members of the assembly.
In his first address, G. Sudhakaran expressed concern that Kerala’s cultural sector is in decline. He alleged that many cultural figures have become mere ‘sycophants.’ He also raised alarms about the rising addiction among the youth and questioned the ideological commitment of young political activists. He asked how many contemporary communists have actually read the ‘Communist Manifesto.’
Referencing the fall of the Soviet Union, he questioned the reasons behind its collapse and whether Kerala should pursue a path of ‘social democracy’ or ‘people’s democracy.’
While expressing respect and affection for former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, he indirectly criticized the government’s functioning. He mocked the controversial ‘Yellow Marker’ campaign, stating that social change cannot be achieved through symbolic programs alone. He remarked, “Talking about New Kerala or Renaissance Kerala does not bring about a renaissance.”
G. Sudhakaran also called for a white paper on the state’s financial situation and demanded action against alleged illegal mining of mineral sand.
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