Will contest as independent from Ambalapuzha, not joining any other party or front: G Sudhakaran

Alappuzha: In a huge setback for the CPI(M), veteran leader G Sudhakaran on Thursday announced the severing of all his ties with the party and declared his candidature as independent from his home turf, Ambalappuzha, in this coastal district in the upcoming Assembly polls.

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Sudhakaran recently declared that he would not renew the party membership, allegedly after being personally attacked by party cadres on social media platforms.


Speaking to reporters here, he said he would contest the polls as an independent candidate in the constituency, which is a CPI(M) stronghold.

"There is no question of support from the UDF as I have not sought it. I have not spoken to anyone," he said.

The former minister also said he would not organise wall paintings or conventions as part of his election campaign.

"I have not sought anyone's support," he said.

Sudhakaran said he would speak about political issues during the campaign but would not speak against the government and did not know whether there was anti-incumbency.

He said he would speak against corruption.

Sudhakaran said he had not submitted any complaint to the state committee and had resolved issues at lower levels.

He added he had never approached the chief minister or the party leadership seeking their intervention or a ticket.

Referring to recent reports about him, Sudhakaran said several statements attributed to him in the media were incorrect.

He also said there were reports that he would contest as an independent with the UDF's support, which he termed propaganda.

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Sudhakaran said no party leaders had approached him for reconciliation, even though some leaders had visited him.

He said he joined the party 68 years ago, when he was in school, and became active in party activities while studying at SN College in 1967.

"I did not join the party after being forced by anyone," he said.

Sudhakaran said he had not renewed his party membership, which is scrutinised by the CPI(M) branch committee.

"When I come out of party membership, I am out of organisational work. But I am not leaving the party ideology and policies," he said.