Thiruvananthapuram, 18 Feb (H.S):
V.A. Arun Kumar, son of veteran CPI(M) leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, has indicated that he would abide by the party’s decision if asked to contest in the upcoming Assembly elections, even as he maintained that he has not given any personal thought to entering the fray.
Responding to media queries amid speculation that the CPI(M) may consider fielding him from the Malampuzha constituency, Arun Kumar said he was unaware of any such discussions within the party. The speculation comes in the wake of reports that A. Suresh, former personal assistant to V.S. Achuthanandan, could be the UDF candidate in Malampuzha.
When journalists pointed out the possibility of a direct contest between him and Suresh, Arun Kumar said he had not heard about such developments. “Has Suresh announced his candidature? I am not aware of it,” he remarked, adding that he had no confirmed information about Suresh entering the race.
On whether he has political ambitions, Arun Kumar said, “We are a political family.” However, he stressed that he has not so far considered contesting the elections. “What the party decides is most important. But as of now, I have not thought about contesting,” he clarified.
Malampuzha holds deep emotional significance for his family, as it was a constituency closely associated with his father, V.S. Achuthanandan, who represented the seat and maintained a strong connection with the people there. Despite this legacy, Arun Kumar said that the party leadership has not initiated any discussion with him regarding a possible candidature from the constituency.
When asked whether being part of a political family meant he would not refuse if the party directed him to contest, he responded with a counter-question: “Is that necessary now?” He reiterated that any decision regarding candidature would rest entirely with the party leadership.
Arun Kumar also described Suresh’s potential candidature, if true, as a personal decision, underscoring that no official announcements have been made so far.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
