Alappuzha , 12 March (H.S.): Veteran Communist leader and former Kerala minister G. Sudhakaran has announced that he will contest the upcoming Assembly election from the Ambalappuzha constituency as an independent candidate, citing humiliation and unpleasant experiences he faced within the party.

Speaking to the media in Alappuzha, Sudhakaran said his decision to step away from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and not renew his party membership was based on the treatment he had received. However, he emphasised that he would not speak against the party or indulge in personal attacks against anyone.

“I have not sought support from anyone and I am not the candidate of any party. I am contesting as an independent. No one has given me any letter of support so far, so the question of support does not arise at this stage. If anyone comes forward to support me, I will decide based on the nature of that support,” Sudhakaran said.

He also dismissed speculation that he would contest with the backing of the United Democratic Front (UDF). According to him, reports suggesting that he had held discussions with Congress leaders or had secured their support were merely rumours.

“I have not spoken to leaders of opposition parties, nor have I said that I will contest as the candidate of any front. The reports that I have already discussed with Congress leaders and secured support are baseless. I have never told anyone that I will contest with UDF support,” he said.

Sudhakaran also denied reports that senior CPM leaders had approached him with a mediation effort. He said that a group of state and district committee members led by R. Naser had met him earlier, while Sujatha and Harishankar had visited him a week before that. He clarified that Sujatha was his relative and only had a casual political discussion, while Harishankar remained mostly silent.

Despite his differences with the party, Sudhakaran stressed that he has not abandoned the ideals of communism or the principles of the CPM. He said he has read Karl Marx’s Capital and The Communist Manifesto, and his admiration for the ideology has only deepened over time.

“I have lived my life for the party and will not criticise its ideology, constitution or programmes. I will not join any other party or front,” he said.

At the same time, Sudhakaran alleged that political character assassination has become common within the party. He claimed that even his father was dragged into attacks against him, but no party committee had spoken out against it.

He also expressed concern about the broader decline of political engagement in Kerala, saying that young people today find little inspiration in politics. He added that public representatives should lead simple lives, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, and should avoid wealth or luxury beyond their legitimate income.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman