CPI(M) Responds After G. Sudhakaran Signals Independent Contest in Ambalappuzha Assembly Seat

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday issued a strong response to veteran leader G. Sudhakaran after he announced plans to contest the upcoming Assembly election as an independent from Ambalappuzha, ending his association with the party that spanned more than six decades.

Alappuzha district secretary of CPI(M), R. Nazar, said the party had been “very considerate” towards Sudhakaran, even after he was replaced as the candidate for Ambalappuzha. Sudhakaran was given respect and status within the organisation, including a dedicated room at the district office, and was appointed to a newly formed branch committee. According to Nazar, it was Sudhakaran who gradually began distancing himself from the party despite efforts by senior leaders to persuade him to remain.

Echoing similar sentiments, former Cabinet colleague and party general secretary M.A. Baby described Sudhakaran’s independent bid as “very unfortunate.” State Minister Saji Cherian noted that while contesting as an independent was Sudhakaran’s personal choice, it would not affect the party’s position in Alappuzha. He added that the CPI(M) had not wronged Sudhakaran in any way that would justify his departure.

Also Read: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Held Three Talks on Maritime Safety and Energy Security With Iran

In Sudhakaran’s hometown of Punnapra, posters critical of his decision have appeared, labelling him a “class traitor” and warning that he would receive “no forgiveness and no votes.” These posters, reportedly put up by party workers, signal the start of a grassroots campaign against his independent candidacy.

Sudhakaran’s announcement has altered the political dynamics in Ambalappuzha, long considered a CPI(M) stronghold. The party maintains that voters in the constituency support the CPI(M)’s ideology and symbol rather than individual leaders. Alappuzha has historically been a strong organisational base for the party, though it has seen factional battles that have led to surprising electoral outcomes, including the defeat of former Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan.

Once a close associate of Achuthanandan and later a prominent supporter of Pinarayi Vijayan, Sudhakaran has alleged deliberate sidelining within the party. While stepping away from the organisation, he asserts that he remains committed to communist ideals, framing his independent run as a protest against internal party trends. Political observers are closely watching whether his move could fragment the CPI(M)’s vote bank in Ambalappuzha, reminiscent of the 1994 ouster of K.R. Gowri Amma.

Also Read: Union Minister Hardeep Puri Announces Restart of Commercial LPG Supply Across India