Alappuzha (Kerala), March 4 (IANS). Old CPI (M) leader and former Kerala minister G. Sudhakaran has further increased his conflict with the party leadership. They have announced that they will not renew their membership during the ongoing scrutiny process. This step is being seen as preparation for his exit from the party.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Sudhakaran, 75, alleged that he was constantly ignored and disrespected after being removed from the State Committee in 2022 and sent to work as a branch committee member under the Alappuzha District Committee.
Despite 63 years of party membership, including 43 years in the State Committee, he said the district secretary did not ask about him even once and kept him away from public programs for five years.
Taking a direct dig at District Secretary M.V. Govindan, Sudhakaran criticized the remarks he made at a recent press conference, saying he was ‘not worthy of consideration’.
He denied this and called it a joke while talking to the media.
A four-time MLA, Sudhakaran was a minister twice, including in the first Pinarayi Vijayan government (2016–21).
After not getting a ticket for the 2021 assembly elections, he is clearly upset, sometimes expressing his displeasure which irritates the leadership. Known for his frank and forthright speaking style, Sudhakaran enjoyed respect across party lines, a status that was acknowledged even by the Congress-led opposition.
His post also reminded that he was not invited to the event to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, while he said that at that time he was the only leader in the district who had to face arrest, jail and attacks.
With the press conference scheduled for Friday, political circles are keeping an eye on his next move.
Given the clarity and strength of his stand, many expect him to formally sever ties with the CPI(M).
What further increases this conspiracy is that Congress General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K. C. Venugopal has met Sudhakaran.
Indications are that if he is ready, he may be fielded from his home ground, Ambalappuzha, with the support of the Congress-led UDF, a development that could significantly change the political equations in Alappuzha district.
If Sudhakaran leaves the party, he will be the third former CPI-M MLA, after multiple-time MLA S. Rajendran and Ayesha Potti had said goodbye to the party.
While Rajendran joined the BJP, Potti moved to the Congress.
–IANS
SCH