Thiruvananthapuram, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Independent legislator and senior CPI(M) leader G. Sudhakaran has voiced strong criticism of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, suggesting that he has fallen into the hands of the wrong people. Speaking during an exclusive interview, Sudhakaran recounted how he and other seasoned party members had supported Vijayan in the past.
Sudhakaran, who defeated the ruling party in the Ambalapuzha constituency during the 2026 assembly elections, stated, “When Vijayan was with experienced party members, he faced no issues. We stood by him during conflicts with Achuthanandan.”
At 79, Sudhakaran has served five terms as a legislator and held ministerial positions in both the Achuthanandan government and Vijayan’s first cabinet from 2016 to 2021. He noted that his relationship with the party soured after he was denied a CPI(M) ticket in 2021, leading to repeated attacks from party supporters on social media. “When I was heavily criticized online, particularly with the backing of some local party leaders, the party did not come to my defense,” he said.
Running as an independent candidate with Congress’s support in the 2026 Kerala assembly elections, Sudhakaran achieved a significant victory, marking a major setback for the CPI(M) in a constituency long considered its stronghold.
His comments come in the wake of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau filing an FIR in the CMRL-Exlogic case, which names Vijayan as the primary accused and his daughter T. Veena as the second. Sudhakaran refrained from commenting further on this matter, stating, “I do not wish to say anything more about it.”
When asked about the political climate in Ambalapuzha, he expressed confidence in his rapport with the electorate. “I have no difficulties dealing with the people, as I know them well,” he said, dismissing social media attacks from CPI(M) supporters. “To be honest, I do not pay attention to such things.”
Regarding the new Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Sudhakaran expressed optimism, stating he is competent and not corrupt. However, he cautioned against rushing to judge the new cabinet, noting that most members are new to their roles. “We will have to wait and see,” he added.
Sudhakaran also reacted to Vijayan’s claim that he has aligned himself with Congress, pointing to a recent speech by CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby in Delhi. “What does Vijayan have to say about that?” he questioned, asserting, “Baby is my junior in the party, as I was the one who supported him.”
Tensions between Sudhakaran and Vijayan continue to unfold as the political landscape in Kerala shifts.
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