G. Sudhakaran, veteran leader of the CPI (M) and former Kerala minister, has announced that he will contest the upcoming Assembly elections as an Independent candidate from the Ambalappuzha constituency in Alappuzha.
The announcement was made during a press conference at his residence ‘Navaneetham’ in Sanathanapuram, a development expected to significantly impact the political equations in the backwater district.
Sudhakaran clarified that he has no plans to join any political party or alliance. Explaining his decision, he said he had been deeply hurt by what he described as ‘personal character assassination’ within the party. “Communism should use politics as its weapon, not personal insults. It is a sorry state of affairs in Ambalappuzha where cadres feel they can even insult the parents of party leaders,” Sudhakaran said. He added that despite his grievances, he had always renewed his party membership but could no longer remain silent.
The veteran leader also said that although he is stepping away from the party’s organisational structure, he remains committed to the ideological values he has upheld for decades. Sudhakaran’s relationship with the party leadership had been deteriorating for some time. The tensions intensified after remarks by CPI (M) state secretary MV Govindan, who said Sudhakaran did not deserve any special consideration.
Following the remark, Sudhakaran initially decided not to renew his party membership. Though senior leaders including MA Baby attempted to reconcile differences, he remained firm, accusing the party leadership of neglect and failing to act against those who allegedly targeted his family.
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The rift was further highlighted by instances of public exclusion. Sudhakaran was reportedly left out of key party events, including the Punnapra-Vayalar Uprising martyr’s day celebrations and a local area committee meeting held near his residence. In response, he paid a solo floral tribute at the Valya Chudukadu memorial after being sidelined from the official ceremony.
Throughout his political career, Sudhakaran has experienced several disciplinary actions within the party. Once considered a loyalist of former chief minister V. S. Achuthanandan, he later aligned with the camp of current chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and emerged as a powerful political figure in Alappuzha. He served as a minister in both the Achuthanandan government and the first Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet.
However, his political fortunes began to decline after he was denied a ticket in the 2021 Assembly elections. The rise of minister Saji Cherian in the district further contributed to his marginalisation within the party. The CPI (M)’s 2021 election review report had also accused him of ‘parliamentary obsession’ and anti-organisational activities, leading to a public censure.
Despite these setbacks, Sudhakaran continues to command significant influence in Ambalappuzha, a constituency he represented in 2006, 2011 and 2016. His decision to contest as an Independent is expected to pose a serious challenge to the official candidate of the ruling Left Democratic Front in what has traditionally been considered a CPI (M) stronghold.
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